Carrick retains faith in VAR despite derby error
Michael Carrick says he still trusts the VAR system despite an officiating error that cost Manchester United in the derby. The referee's body apologised after failing to spot an offside player before Manchester City's winning goal. Carrick acknowledged the apology but said it does not change the impact of the mistake.
The officiating error occurred during Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford, with VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus omitted from weekend fixtures. Howard Webb, the referee’s chief, admitted on ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ that officials focused too narrowly on Haaland’s potential offside, missing Fernandez’s clear interference. Carrick’s side also faced a separate setback, as Leny Yoro’s positioning was questioned in a 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, though Carrick publicly defended the young defender, noting his development may take time despite a £52.2m fee and limited starts this season.
This incident could deepen public skepticism about VAR’s reliability, affecting fan trust in match outcomes and prompting louder calls for reform in officiating protocols. Clubs and managers may feel pressure to demand greater accountability, while players and supporters bear the emotional and competitive consequences of such errors. The apology, though acknowledged, may do little to restore confidence if systemic issues persist, potentially influencing how future close calls are reviewed and communicated.