“I have to say…” – Two Man United legends are saying the same thing about controversial City goal

Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney are convinced that Erling Haaland’s goal for Manchester City today was offside.

The Norway international struck from close range to give ten-man City the a 1-0 lead at Old Trafford, but the flag initially went up for offside.

VAR then checked the goal, however, and ultimately overturned the decision, allowing Haaland’s strike to stand.

Neville, speaking during commentary for Sky Sports, as quoted by BBC Sport, was baffled by the decision and said he’d need it explaining to him.

Man United legends question Erling Haaland goal decision

Reacting to the goal, Neville said: “I need the offside law explaining to me, that has lost me I have to say. It will need an official to explain to us why he’s not offside.”

He added: “I do think when they look back at this they’ll realise they’ve got it wrong.”

Take a look for yourself in the video clip below, which also appears to show Haaland being slightly offside when the cross is played…

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026

Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ?? pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 13, 2026

Fellow MUFC legend Rooney shared Neville’s view, saying: “Surely it’s offside. Martinez is impacted by Enzo’s movement, and he is offside.”

United only have themselves to blame as City leading with ten men

In fairness, even if that’s a very big call to get wrong, it’s probably deserved on the balance of play so far.

United haven’t taken advantage of having the extra player at all, in what has been a really timid display in such a big game.

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Haaland got a bit lucky with this decision, but MUFC could also surely have done more to avoid this scenario they now find themselves in.