Manchester United’s controversial equaliser against cross-town rivals Manchester City has sparked widespread debate across the football community and indeed the coaches of both teams.
Red Devils forward Marcus Rashford appeared to have been played in behind City’s line thanks to a perfect pass from Casemiro, but the England international was clearly off-side in the build-up.
Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
However, Rashford never touched the ball as it kindly fell for Bruno Fernandes, who was onside when Casemiro’s pass was played, as he slotted past City goalkeeper Ederson.
The linesman’s flag initially went up for off-side, but after a review from VAR, the goal was awarded.
United went on to secure three points thanks to a Rashford winner, but the result left City defender Manuel Akanji seething.
“The first goal is a joke that it can be allowed,” Akanji told BBC Sport.
“He runs for 30 metres, he’s chasing the ball. In the situation, I played him (Rashford) offside.
Man Utd triumph in thrilling derby | 01:00
MORE COVERAGE
‘Cant remember a worse game’: Klopp rages as ‘beyond dreadful’ Liverpool hits new low
Villa continue flying start under new boss amid VAR drama in fiery Leeds clash
“I understand he doesn’t touch the ball, but for me it is clearly offside.”
BeIN Sports’ punditry team were also baffled at the decision to award the goal.
“VAR have told us they didn’t look at it (the goal) because they didn’t feel as though the decision was incorrect, but that’s a situation where (it is) a matter of fact, offside,” presenter Richard Keys said.
Andy Gray replied: We’re assuming so, yeah. Unless something comes up with the law, (such as) it’s a new law in the game that we don’t know about … that’s offside.”
Keys added: “It’s offside, offside, offside, offside, offside!”
Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech weighed in on the debate and took to social media to share his views.
“The first United goal just proved the people who make the rules don’t understand the game,” Cech wrote.
For United boss Erik ten Hag, he admitted he could understand why City boss Pep Guardiola and his team would be “unhappy” with the verdict, but reiterated the laws of the game which prove Fernandes was always onside.
“I think if you are the opponent I can see that you are unhappy with this situation,” ten Hag said.
“But the rule is that Bruno’s coming from the back, not in an offside position. Of course, It brings a hesitation from the two centre halves of the opponent, and we take advantage of it.
“But it’s a difficult situation, it’s a grey area. When you see black and white, Bruno wasn’t in an offside position and he scored.”
