Enzo Maresca claims he celebrated Erling Haaland’s controversial winner for ten-man Manchester City in a derby at Old Trafford early on because he knew it wasn’t offside.
Haaland maintained his perfect form as he led Manchester City to a 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United. Premier League Maresca scored the only goal of the game on the hour mark, steering Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross into the top left corner of the far post.
The goal was just reward for the way City adapted to being reduced to 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking Bruno Fernandes in the stomach in the 23rd minute.
It looked like the play would not be allowed as an offside flag interrupted Haaland’s celebrations. However, after a lengthy VAR check, it was deemed that Haaland had been put aside by Patrick Dolgu. Enzo Fernandez was offside, narrowly missing Gvaldiol’s pass and was ruled not to interfere with the game.
While the decision left manager Michael Carrick “baffled”, City manager Maresca insisted it was clear the goal would be allowed to stand.
“Obviously the goal was not offside,” Maresca told Sky Sports. “The moment the fourth official told me that, I celebrated early because I knew it.”
Maresca was full of praise for the performance of Manchester City’s record signing Fernandez, while also praising goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who produced a superb save to keep out Brian Mbemo’s shot after being passed by Fernandez.
“Enzo Fernandez had an unbelievable performance today and he was happy to help us win,” Maresca added.
“Oh my God, the save. That’s why Donnarumma is here. That’s why we bought him, because he’s a great goalkeeper.”
But the Italian took issue with referee Michael Oliver’s decision to only send off Foden after his altercation with Fernandes.
After the Portuguese appeared to foul Fernandez, Foden kicked at Fernandez and then kicked City forward as Fernandez went to the ground.
Maresca believes both violations could be considered red card violations.
“This decision could be a red card for Foden,” he said. “But in the same action Bruno could have been shown a red card because he also kicked Phil.”