Pro Ref have admitted that Erling Haaland's winner in Manchester City's 1-0 win over Manchester United shouldn't have been given.

Controversy ensued throughout the Manchester derby on Sunday, starting with Phil Foden's sending off in the first half. The English attacker received his marching orders for violent conduct after an incident involving Bruno Fernandes.

Many were surprised Fernandes walked away from the scene unpunished. He had kicked Foden in the back before the City star planted both of his feet into the United captain's chest.

The hosts failed to capitalise on the one-man advantage but suffered defeat after Haaland arrived at the back post to fire past Senne Lammens in the second half. Referee Michael Oliver initially ruled the goal out for offside but VAR intervened.

They eventually came to the conclusion that Haaland was in an onside position but failed to spot Enzo Fernandez make movement towards the ball in an offside position. Viewers were stunned this was missed and the Premier League initially ruled that the Argentine hadn't interfered with play.

Pro Ref Release Statement After Awarding Erling Haaland Goal

Pro Ref (formely known as the PGMOL) have now admitted to making an error in awarding the goal after releasing a statement hours after the final whistle. They wrote:

“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.

They added:

“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 judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

The goal has caused huge debate not least because VAR decided to overturn a correct call. But because most if not all viewers were in agreement that Fernandez had interfered with play as he dived to try and head the ball.

Lisandro Martinez reacted to Martinez and this allowed Haaland to arrive unmarked at the back post. Lammens also prepares himself for a potential header from the former Chelsea man, giving the Norweigan striker more of an advantage.

Michael Carrick 'Worried' After Erling Haaland Goal

Carrick reacted in bemusement when asked about the goal after the game. He questioned the standard of officiating while pointing out the support they have been handed in the modern era (via Hayters TV):

"I just don't get it. We try and help referees by putting so many layers behind them and so many people and so many bodies and so many screens to try and come up with the right decisions. If that's how the rules are interpreted that you're not inteferring with play because you've thrown yourself at the ball six yards from goal and pretty much nearly touched it which then Licha has to react from."

He added:

"It's worrying if that's, really it is, if that's how the game's seen by those who are officiating."

Carrick also ridiculed the expected apology which arrived shortly after his post-match press conference:

"I cannot wait for the apology."

United now sit 13th after four games, having suffered their second defeat of the season. They were disappointing on the day but may well have settled on a point had Haaland's goal correctly been ruled out.