Champions League 18 September 2026 Updated: 3 November 2026

Premier League: Manchester City wins the derby but there is controversy

Manchester City won the derby against Manchester United, but Haaland's decisive goal was the center of controversy.

Why it matters

Manchester City's victory in the Premier League derby against Manchester United not only confirms their dominant form, but also raises questions about the validity of Erling Haaland's goal. This episode sparked a heated debate among experts and fans, highlighting the controversies surrounding the use of VAR in modern football. The situation highlights the challenges teams face in managing refereeing decisions at crucial moments.

Context

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the derby, but his validity has been called into question. His ability to influence matches is evident, and his contribution will be crucial in the coming Premier League matches as City aim to maintain their champion status.

Key points

Premier League: Manchester City wins the derby but there is controversy.
Manchester City won the derby against Manchester United, but Haaland's decisive goal was at the center of controversy.
Football Daily - PL Review: Manchester City win controversial derby - BBC Sounds.

Manchester City beat Manchester United in the Premier League derby, but the victory was marked by much controversy. The decisive goal, scored by Erling Haaland, was validated after a long VAR consultation and caused discussion.

The BBC's Football Daily broadcast analyzed the match, with host Rick Edwards and commentators Luke Edwards and Charlie Austin.

Host Rick Edwards began by asking the two commentators if it was a deserved victory for Manchester City:

"Yesterday (Saturday, ed.) City won the derby, but there is a lot of controversy. Was it a deserved victory?"

Luke Edwards responded to this:

"Yes, in my opinion yes. I saw both teams, and City were clearly the better team. It's incredible how City can win even when they don't play very well, yesterday they played well, even if not very well, but United were really embarrassing."

"United started well, but after 10 minutes City took control of the game and never let go. Even with Haaland's goal, which we are discussing a lot here in Newcastle, because it was a very doubtful goal, but for the VAR it was validated and therefore it is a goal. And in any case City deserve to have won yesterday for the way they played."

Host Rick Edwards then asked Austin to comment on United's performance:

"United had a bad game, but did you expect a better performance from Ten Hag's team?"

Charlie Austin responded to this:

"Absolutely yes, I expected a much closer match, a match in which United tried to win, and instead they were totally subdued, they did nothing to try to win the match."

"I don't understand why the coach made such strange choices, for example not playing Casemiro, who is someone who always gives his all in these matches, and then Rashford's substitution. I expected Rashford to start this match, but instead he was put on the bench and Ten Hag brought him on in the second half, but brought him into a phase of the match in which it made no sense to put Rashford on, because there was no longer any possibility for United to try to equalize or win the match. So I didn't understand Ten Hag's choices at all."

The BBC broadcast also analyzed other Premier League matches, including Arsenal's victory away to Sunderland, which allows the Gunners to maintain first place in the table.

To listen to the full analysis of the Football Daily broadcast, click here.

What happens now

With Manchester City maintaining their momentum in the Premier League, pressure is mounting on Manchester United, who are facing criticism for their performance. Ten Hag's team will have to regroup and improve quickly to face the next challenges. Meanwhile, City will continue to try to consolidate their top position, while other teams such as Arsenal and Newcastle watch the situation closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the derby between Manchester City and Manchester United?

Manchester City beat Manchester United in the Premier League derby, but the victory was characterized by much controversy, in particular regarding Erling Haaland's decisive goal, validated after a long VAR consultation.