Lisandro Martinez Questions VAR After Man Utd Lose Derby to 10-Man City
Manchester United’s derby defeat to Manchester City has left Lisandro Martinez questioning both the decisive VAR call and his side’s inability to make a one-man advantage count. City won through Erling Haaland’s 60th-minute finish despite Phil Foden’s early dismissal, with United remaining 13th after another league match in which they conceded.
City’s counter-attack decides a derby shaped by the red card
Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute after a challenge on Bruno Fernandes, leaving City to defend with 10 players for more than an hour. United had more of the ball, recording 55 per cent possession to City’s 45, but struggled to turn that control into clear chances.
Instead, City struck on the counter shortly after the hour. Josko Gvardiol delivered a low ball for Haaland, who finished from close range. VAR reviewed the move and allowed the goal to stand, despite United’s belief that Fernandez, positioned offside, had affected the defensive phase.
- Phil Foden received a straight red card in the 23rd minute.
- United took control of possession but found City’s deep defensive shape difficult to break down.
- Gvardiol’s low cross created Haaland’s 60th-minute winner in a rapid City break.
- VAR upheld the goal, prompting strong objections from Martinez after full time.
Martinez argues offside movement altered the defensive line
Martinez said the goal should not have counted because Fernandez’s position influenced United’s marking. The Argentine centre-back felt he had followed Fernandez’s run, which in turn left Haaland free behind the defensive line.
“Everyone could see it,” Martinez said. “The incident had a clear impact on Haaland’s goal. I went with Fernandez and Haaland was left unmarked behind us. There have only been a few games, but there is already plenty to review.”
The 28-year-old was careful not to overstep in his criticism of the officials, noting that comments about refereeing can bring Football Association punishment. Even so, he questioned how a decision of that nature could survive a VAR review in a competition with extensive camera coverage.
Martinez said it was difficult to accept that a small group of VAR officials could reach such decisions, particularly when the consequence was the loss of three points in a derby. He also criticised the performance of referee Michael Oliver and the wider officiating standards in the Premier League.
Possession brought little attacking reward for United
United had been comfortable during the opening 11-versus-11 period, Martinez said, but believed the contest changed after Foden’s dismissal. City dropped deeper, protected their penalty area and used their pace and ball retention to manage the game before finding the winning transition.
“You expect to have more of the ball against 10 men, but we did not create proper danger because they defended so deep,” Martinez said. “We have to respond to the game as it develops. They have quick players, they keep the ball well, and they did what they needed to do.”
United face a quick test of their response
The result deepens a difficult opening to the season for Michael Carrick’s team. United have conceded in every league match so far and sit 13th, with Martinez admitting the side have not shown the consistency needed to win regularly.
He called for greater self-criticism and a markedly better response, regardless of whether performances are strong or poor. United now host Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, September 16, before travelling to Fulham. Tottenham Hotspur await next month.
- City won the derby 1-0 through Haaland’s goal in the 60th minute.
- Foden’s 23rd-minute red card did not lead to a United breakthrough.
- Martinez believes an offside-positioned Fernandez interfered with the winning move.
- United have conceded in each league fixture and remain in the bottom half.
- Brighton provide the immediate opportunity for Carrick’s side to reset in the Carabao Cup.
