Premier League refereeing body admits 'an error of judgment' in Man City's game-winning goal over Manchester United

The Premier League's refereeing association has admitted that it made "an error of judgment" in Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, according to a statement shared with multiple reporters. Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref), the body that oversees officials in English football, released a statement on Sunday clarifying that Erling Haaland's game-winner should have been subject to an on-field offsides review. Per Pro Ref, Haaland was onside for his goal, but the position of Enzo Fernandez — who was offsides — should have been further scrutinized to confirm if he was involved in the play. The organization says that it has reached out to Manchester United to acknowledge the error, and that the incident will be reviewed. The full statement, via international insider Fabrizio Romano : "Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal. "The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland — that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position. "In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review. "Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgment. A review of the incident will take place." Sunday's chippy Manchester Derby took an early turn, after Phil Foden was given a straight red card in the 23rd minute for kicking at Bruno Fernandes while on the ground. Man City then had to play the rest of the match with only 10 men — an uphill battle on Man United's home turf. Phil Foden is sent off at Old Trafford after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. pic.twitter.com/A4JigAVEaS — NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 13, 2026 But in the 60th minute, Haaland played hero, chipping a pass from Josko Gvardiol into the back of the net. Erling Haaland scores against United with City down to 10 men! pic.twitter.com/pWgwXMR4gi — NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 13, 2026 City then held that lead for more than 35 minutes to get the win, despite being down a player. City manager Enzo Maresca, who is in his first season at the helm, had plenty to celebrate, as did Haaland and the rest of the team. "The kings of Manchester still wear blue." Erling Haaland's goal was enough for Manchester City to beat Manchester United despite playing with 10 men for the majority of the match. pic.twitter.com/CHmTvZLuNq — NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 13, 2026 The win, though now contested, keeps Man City at a 4-0-0 record to start the Premier League season. They sit in second place, tied with also-undefeated Arsenal on points. Man United, meanwhile, is 1-1-2, with the Man City loss joining the team's stunning loss to recent Championship side Hull City on opening weekend.