Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has described the VAR error that allowed Erling Haaland’s controversial winning goal against Manchester United as “part of football”.
City secured a 1-0 victory over United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Haaland’s goal sparking debate over the decision not to overturn the effort following a VAR review.
In a press conference on Wednesday ahead of City’s Carabao cup clash against Norwich on Thursday, Maresca, however, said the controversy should not overshadow his side’s overall performance.
“To focus on that one episode after the performance we produced is quite poor,” the City manager said.
He acknowledged the VAR error but insisted that such incidents were part of the game.
“The VAR error is part of football,” Maresca said.
Maresca also referred to a previous controversial decision involving City at Old Trafford, saying the club was still waiting for an apology after Marcus Rashford’s goal was allowed to stand in City’s 2-1 defeat by United in January 2023.
The manager said he would rather focus on City’s display and the three points secured from the derby.
Meanwhile, Maresca confirmed that City would rotate the squad for Thursday’s game against Norwich.
He said the fixture would give some players an opportunity to improve their fitness and build form ahead of a demanding period involving both the Premier League and Champions League.
