Enzo Maresca deplores the focus on the var controversy
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read

Despite the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's valid goal following a VAR error, Enzo Maresca underlines the value of Manchester City's 10-11 victory over Manchester United and tackles the media obsession with this technical incident.
Why it matters
Manchester City's victory over Manchester United is crucial to their Premier League momentum, marking their fourth consecutive success. Despite the controversy around the VAR, this performance underlines the resilience of the team, which has managed to win even in numerical inferiority. City's ability to win in difficult conditions could have a
significant impact on their season and their quest for the title.
Background
Erling Haaland, author of the deciding goal, continues to prove his importance for Manchester City in this Premier League season. His ability to score in crucial moments reinforces his status as a key player, especially in matches as contested as the one against Manchester United. Haaland's performance could influence not only the morale of the team, but also their
ranking position.
Key points
- Enzo Maresca deplores the focus on the VAR controversy.
- Despite the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's valid goal following a VAR error, Enzo Maresca underlines the value of Manchester City's 10-11 victory over Manchester United and tackles the media obsession with this technical incident.
- Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says it is' quite poor 'to focus on var controversy despite win at Manchester Unite.
that City striker Enzo Fernández was in an offside position and hindering the opposing defense before the decisive pass for Haaland. This dramatic move revived the debate on the effectiveness of the VAR and the correctness of the arbitral decisions in this highly anticipated duel.
Despite this controversy that has largely monopolized media attention, Enzo Maresca, Manchester City's coach, has strongly criticized the exaggerated importance given to this episode. Asked before the League Cup match against Norwich, the Italian technician felt that reducing this victory to a simple controversy was "pretty poor" while his team had played nearly 75 minutes with one man less, following the expulsion of Phil Foden in the 23rd minute
for a shot at Bruno Fernandes.
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“I think the performance was amazing, and I'm proud of what the team showed,” he insisted. Maresca also recalls that City has already suffered from adverse arbitral decisions in the past, especially during a 2-1 defeat against United in January 2023, where a disputed goal had not been
granted.
The chairman of the refereeing body in the Premier League, Howard Webb, publicly acknowledged the var's mistake during this match, pointing out that the officials had not taken into account the offside position of Enzo Fernández. According to him, this flaw is regrettable and the referees are fully aware of it, being very affected by this fault.
Despite this controversy, Manchester City continues to soar above the league with its fourth consecutive victory. The Maresca team will try to confirm this dynamic on Thursday with the reception of Norwich in the Carabao Cup, before returning to the Premier League next Sunday against Sunderland. This victorious derby remains a strong point for City, which will have to continue to manage the pressure and controversy to continue its path to the title.
What's next
With this victory, Manchester City is preparing to face Norwich in the League Cup, a match that could allow the team to continue its momentum. Enzo Maresca will have to manage the fatigue of his players after an intense derby, while maintaining the focus on the objectives of the season. Var discussions will likely continue to fuel debate, but the team needs to focus on their performance on the ground.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the match between Manchester City and Manchester United?
Manchester City won the match 1-0 against Manchester United.
Who scored the deciding goal for Manchester City?
Erling Haaland scored the deciding goal for Manchester City in the 60th minute.
How does this win impact the Premier League ranking?
Manchester City's victory over Manchester United has ranking implications, but specific details are not provided in the article.
What is Manchester City's next game?
Manchester City will play their next League Cup match against Norwich.
What controversy surrounded Haaland's goal?
Haaland's goal was validated after a VAR intervention, despite an initial offside decision, due to Enzo Fernández's offside position.