Carrick Slams Decision To Allow Haaland’s ‘Controversial’ Goal Stand

Michael Carrick has slammed the decision that cost Manchester United in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Sunday’s Premier League derby at Old Trafford.

Carrick admitted he has been left ‘really worried’ after Erling Haaland’s winner was allowed to stand despite an offside Enzo Fernandez appearing to interfere with play.

The Norwegian scored the decisive goal for Enzo Maresca’s 10 men when Josko Gvardiol’s cross-cum-shot deflected towards the backpost where Haaland applied the finish.

Lisandro Martinez was between Fernandez and Haaland, but the Argentine launched himself towards the ball in an effort to convert a diving header. However, it was ruled that the former Chelsea man hadn’t interfere with play.

Haaland’s effort was initially chalked off for offside but after a lengthy check from the Video Assistant Referee, it was found that Patrick Dorgu had played the striker onside.

Carrick was left fuming by the decision to allow the goal to stand and subsequent explanation that Fernandez hadn’t impacted play despite being marked by his fellow countryman.

He said (via aol.co.uk): “Confused, not even confused, we’ve put things in place to help referees’ decisions, screens, referees in an office somewhere. It’s more worrying about if that’s the interpretation about football.

“If we’ve got people in place that are meant to understand the game of football or not interfering with play or impacting an attack, throwing your body at it with a defender next to him, it’s really worrying for me, if that’s how it’s interpreted.

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“It’s a staggering decision. I can’t understand it once I seen it then the explanation almost makes it worse. Well, the explanation that he’s not interfering with play. Incredible.

“It’s not going to change a season, it’s a major impact on the game and it’s a massive game. It’s a long season ahead, we’ve got to get back to winning football matches, that’s on us, that (decision) wasn’t on us today.”

City had been reduced to 10 men in the first-half when Phil Foden was sent off for violent conduct after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. However, the Red Devils succumbed to another defeat while Maresca’s side maintained their 100 percent record.