Rooney: 'Baffling' VAR decision allows Haaland winner in Manchester derby

Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy have criticised VAR for not disallowing Erling Haaland's winning goal in the Manchester derby, calling the decision 'baffling'. The Match of the Day pundits also agreed that Phil Foden's red card was correct. Full details below.

  • Competition: Premier League
  • Key decision: Erling Haaland's winning goal in the Manchester derby was not ruled out by VAR
  • Pundits' view: Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy find the decision baffling
  • Red card: Phil Foden was sent off, a decision the pundits believe was correct
  • Where: Match of the Day (BBC)
  • Status: VAR controversy continues to be debated

What was said

"Getting goal decision so wrong is 'baffling'"

— Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy, Match of the Day pundits

"There was an error"

— BBC Sport caption

"This content is not available in your location."

— BBC Sport caption

Rooney and Murphy, both former Premier League players, did not hold back in their assessment of the VAR decision that allowed Haaland's goal to stand. Their collective verdict is that the officials got it badly wrong.

However, they were unanimous in their support for the decision to send off Phil Foden, showing a balanced perspective on a night of high drama.

Why the pundits are right to be baffled

VAR was introduced to eliminate clear and obvious errors, yet the decision to let Haaland's winner stand has raised serious questions about its application. Rooney and Murphy, with their combined top-level experience, believe the goal should have been disallowed. Their argument likely centres on a subjective judgement that VAR failed to overturn, leaving fans and pundits alike frustrated.

In contrast, Foden's red card appears to have been a more straightforward call. The pundits' agreement here suggests that while they are critical of one decision, they are not simply opposing all officiating calls. This nuanced stance adds weight to their criticism of the goal decision.

Manchester City will feel vindicated by the win, but the debate will rage on. For Manchester United, the sense of injustice could linger, especially if the goal proves decisive in the title race or top-four battle.

Talking points

  • Should VAR have disallowed Haaland's goal? The pundits say yes, but the officials disagreed – a clear divide.
  • Was Foden's red card a turning point? Some may argue it gave City an advantage, but the pundits back the call.
  • Does this decision prove VAR is still failing? Rooney and Murphy's 'baffling' verdict suggests systemic issues remain.
  • Will this controversy overshadow City's win? The result stands, but the talking point will dominate for days.

What happens next

The Premier League will review the incident, but the result is final. Manchester City will look to build on the win, while Manchester United must regroup. The next Manchester derby will be eagerly anticipated, with VAR again under the spotlight. For now, the pundits' comments will fuel debate among fans and media alike.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Erling Haaland's goal not ruled out by VAR?

According to Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy, the decision not to rule out Haaland's winning goal was 'baffling'. The exact reason for VAR's decision is not detailed in the source, but the pundits believe it was wrong.

Was Phil Foden's red card the correct decision?

Yes, Rooney and Murphy both agreed that Phil Foden's red card was the correct decision.

Who were the pundits on Match of the Day?

Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy were the pundits on Match of the Day, and both found the VAR decision on Haaland's goal baffling.

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