Football NewsMirror FootballUnverified source· 14 Sept 2026
Rooney Calls for VAR to Be Scrapped After United Defeat
Wayne Rooney wants VAR gone after a controversial Manchester derby decision left United furious at Old Trafford.
D. Rooney
player
Fixture
Man Utd vs Man City
Score
1-0 to City
Scorer
Erling Haaland
Venue
Old Trafford
Minute
60th
What happened. Manchester United lost 1-0 to Manchester City at Old Trafford, with Erling Haaland's second-half goal given after VAR intervention despite Enzo Fernandez being offside. Pro Ref later apologised, admitting the goal should have been disallowed.
- Haaland's goal was initially flagged offside before VAR recommended it stand
- Enzo Fernandez was shown to be offside in the build-up
- Pro Ref issued a statement admitting the strike should have been chalked off
“Surely it's offside. Martinez is impacted by Enzo's movement, and he is offside.”
— Wayne Rooney
The apology from Pro Ref adds to the debate over VAR's role in high-profile Premier League decisions.
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