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VAR Confirms Haaland Goal as United Lose 1-0

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 12:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Manchester United VAR Loss

Manchester United lost 1-0 to Manchester City after VAR confirmed Erling Haaland’s goal.
Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking Bruno Fernandes.
United played with ten men while City had nine for roughly 70 minutes.
Michael Carrick called the VAR ruling “staggering” and “worrying” for football.
United have four points, eight behind Manchester City’s 12-point perfect start.

Summary

Mourinho Praises Carrick

Jose Mourinho praised Michael Carrick’s work as Manchester United head coach in a Sky Sports interview.
Carrick took over in January, guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Ineos awarded Carrick a two-year contract after he recorded 11 wins, three draws and two defeats.
Mourinho said he is happy with Carrick, noting his experience and understanding of Old Trafford pressure.

History

Historical Context

After the FIFA Council approved VAR on 16 March 2018, the system debuted fully at the 2018 World Cup, reviewing 335 incidents and issuing its first penalty on 16 June 2018 (France-Australia). It later entered the Premier League in 2019-20, and the 2024 Manchester City-Manchester United derby saw VAR confirm Erling Haaland’s goal, prompting former player Michael Carrick’s criticism.

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Manchester United VAR Loss

Manchester United lost 1-0 to Manchester City after VAR confirmed Erling Haaland’s goal.
Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking Bruno Fernandes.
United played with ten men while City had nine for roughly 70 minutes.
Michael Carrick called the VAR ruling “staggering” and “worrying” for football.
United have four points, eight behind Manchester City’s 12-point perfect start.

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