Carrick Backs VAR Despite Derby Error: Webb Apologises to Man Utd

Michael Carrick says he still has faith in VAR despite the officiating error that contributed to Manchester United's 1-0 derby defeat by Manchester City at Old Trafford, though the head coach insists Pro Ref's formal apology "doesn't mean an awful lot" to him.

Match: Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United (Premier League, Old Trafford)
Key incident: Enzo Fernandez not flagged for offside before Erling Haaland's winner
Officials: VAR Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus not selected for games this weekend
Apology: Pro Ref issued formal apology to United within three hours of full-time
Next fixture: Manchester United travel to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday
Defender backed: Carrick gives public support to £52.2m signing Leny Yoro

What was said

"One-off things can happen."
— Michael Carrick on VAR errors

"At the time it was a pretty big one, we know that. I don't think I need to go over that. But yes, I've got faith in it. It's the system we work towards and that we use."
— Michael Carrick on retaining faith in VAR

"The apology doesn't mean an awful lot."
— Michael Carrick on Pro Ref's apology

"I can appreciate and respect them putting their hands up and saying we got that wrong - it does happen. We just have to deal with it."
— Carrick on the officials' admission of error

"Maybe we get one or two decisions on the law of averages or whatever but that one had a huge impact on the game and that's why it was particularly tough."
— Carrick on the consequences of the error

"I've got no worries for Leny. He's got a fantastic future ahead of him."
— Carrick on Leny Yoro

"There's no cut off point. Some players find when they're 18 that they are at a level where they can really perform. Sometimes it's 22, 23, 24 when you see players start developing."
— Carrick on Yoro's development

"What we've got to be careful of, and I certainly won't do, is making knee-jerk decisions on certain players just because of one game or one half or one moment in a game. We've got a lot of belief in Leny."
— Carrick on Yoro's future

Carrick's position is pragmatic rather than passionate. He accepts the system but is clearly unmoved by the apology, framing it as a gesture that does not change the result at Old Trafford. The Manchester United head coach is protecting his players publicly while acknowledging the decision had a "huge impact" on the match.

His backing of Yoro is equally notable. After a difficult display in the Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton, Carrick has chosen to emphasise long-term development over short-term reaction, a stance that will be tested if Yoro struggles again on Sunday.

The numbers

3 hours: Time between the final whistle and Pro Ref's formal apology to Manchester United.
1-0: Final score, Manchester City's victory at Old Trafford.
55: Premier League appearances made by Leny Yoro.
25: Of those 55 appearances have come as a substitute.
£52.2m: Fee Manchester United paid Lille for Yoro in July 2024.
20: Current age of Leny Yoro, signed as an 18-year-old.

Carrick's dilemma: faith in VAR vs faith in Yoro

Carrick is walking a fine line. He cannot afford to alienate the officials, yet he knows the derby decision cost his side dearly. By reiterating his faith in VAR, he keeps pressure on Howard Webb without turning Manchester United into a club at war with Pro Ref. But the admission that the apology "doesn't mean an awful lot" signals the trust is conditional.

On Yoro, the head coach is making a calculated bet on potential. The defender has only started against Sabah FK in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup this season, and his positioning was questioned in that 3-2 loss. Yet Carrick is adamant that the £52.2m investment will pay off, pointing to the varied development timelines of young centre-backs.

Tactically, United must now prepare for Fulham without the distraction of the derby fallout. Carrick will likely continue to use Yoro in a back four, but the 20-year-old needs a composed performance to justify his manager's patience. If he is exposed again, the debate about his readiness will only intensify.

Talking points

Carrick says he still has faith in VAR, but after a derby-deciding error and an apology he calls meaningless, how much trust really remains?
Leny Yoro has started only twice this season and was at fault for Brighton's comeback — is Carrick's loyalty protecting him or harming United's results?
Pro Ref dropped Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus for this weekend, but does that accountability extend far enough to satisfy clubs?
With United travelling to Fulham on Sunday, can Carrick's side shake off the derby injustice and avoid a damaging slide?

What happens next

Manchester United face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday. The trip to Craven Cottage is an immediate chance to respond to the derby defeat, but Carrick must decide whether to keep faith with Yoro or make a change. With Pro Ref under scrutiny and Howard Webb having spoken to United, every refereeing decision will be magnified.

Frequently asked questions

Does Michael Carrick still have faith in VAR?

Yes. Carrick said "I've got faith in it" when asked if he still trusts VAR despite the derby error, though he added the apology "doesn't mean an awful lot".

Who was at fault for Manchester City's winner against Manchester United?

VAR Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus failed to spot City midfielder Enzo Fernandez in an offside position and interfering with play before Erling Haaland's matchwinner.

Will Leny Yoro start for Manchester United against Fulham?

The source does not confirm whether Yoro will start, but Carrick has publicly backed the defender after his disappointing performance against Brighton. His only starts this term were against Sabah FK and Brighton.