EPL: VAR error on Haaland’s goal against Man United ‘part of football’ — Maresca

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Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has described the VAR error that allowed Erling Haaland’s controversial winning goal against Manchester United as “part of football”.

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City secured a 1-0 victory over United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Haaland’s goal sparking debate over the decision not to overturn the effort following a VAR review.

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In a press conference on Wednesday ahead of City’s Carabao cup clash against Norwich on Thursday, Maresca, however, said the controversy should not overshadow his side’s overall performance.

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“To focus on that one episode after the performance we produced is quite poor,” the City manager said.

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He acknowledged the VAR error but insisted that such incidents were part of the game.

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“The VAR error is part of football,” Maresca said.

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Maresca also referred to a previous controversial decision involving City at Old Trafford, saying the club was still waiting for an apology after Marcus Rashford’s goal was allowed to stand in City’s 2-1 defeat by United in January 2023.

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The manager said he would rather focus on City’s display and the three points secured from the derby.

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Meanwhile, Maresca confirmed that City would rotate the squad for Thursday’s game against Norwich.

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He said the fixture would give some players an opportunity to improve their fitness and build form ahead of a demanding period involving both the Premier League and Champions League.

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