Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has delivered a scathing assessment of the VAR decision that allowed Erling Haaland’s goal to remain unchanged in Sunday’s Manchester derby, while also warning that Michael Carrick’s side are still some way off the level of Premier League champions Arsenal.
Manchester United lost 1-0 to Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday amid controversy, with Haaland’s goal sparking debate over whether Lisandro Martinez was blocked by offside Enzo Fernandez during the game.
The moment forced an apology from the referee, who admitted he made a mistake in judgment that allowed City’s goal to stand.
Pallister speaks gambler mediaWhen asked for his assessment of the decision, he did not hesitate, calling it the worst VAR decision he had ever seen.
“There have been some good decisions in the past, but I would probably have to say this is the worst VAR decision I’ve ever seen,” Pallister said.
“Anyone watching the game who understands the offside rule knows that Lisandro Martinez was hampered by Enzo Fernandez when he got the ball, but they scored anyway. You just scratch your head.”
“Whoever was in the VAR room responsible for making this decision knows nothing about football. It’s absolutely unbelievable.”
Pallister calls for VAR officials to face sanctions
Despite being critical of the Old Trafford decision, Pallister stressed that he remains a supporter of VAR and believes the technology can play an important role in the game. Premier League.
However, the former Manchester United centre-back believes there must be consequences for officials when serious errors cost the team points in high-stakes matches.
“I’ve been a supporter of VAR for a long time because they do make a lot of right decisions, but looking at what happened at Old Trafford yesterday, there’s no way they can make a mistake,” he said.
“I don’t know who was behind VAR, but whoever was there yesterday clearly got it wrong and it’s an embarrassment for VAR and the whole process.
“It puts people like Michael Carrick under pressure for losing a derby game, which shouldn’t happen. I think referees and VAR officials need potential sanctions for making mistakes like this.”
Manchester United still a long way away from facing Arsenal
Despite Sunday’s setback, Pallister believes United’s rebuild requires patience, pointing to the long process required for Arsenal to develop a competitive squad under Mikel Arteta.
When asked what areas United need to improve to reach Arsenal’s level, he said the gap between the two teams could take years to achieve.
“To get to Arsenal’s level? Oh, wow, I didn’t know. I know you have to build this team up over a period of time. Michael’s coaching career at Manchester United has only just begun, so he is trying to find the right people for the team to help us improve,” he said.
“Arsenal are four or five years ahead in terms of building a team and getting to where they want to be? So, you know, it could take that long.”
For United, he believes the priority must be to develop a team that can control games rather than rely solely on individual moments.
“Right now, I don’t think we can dominate the game and I think we have to find a way to do that,” Pallister said.
“Whether it’s personality, character, quality of players, or team spirit, you have to find everything around you to make them believe they can go out there, dominate games and win games.
“I think there’s a little bit of that missing at the start of the season right now. So I guess we have to bring that to the party.”
Kobbie Mainoo is praised.
Despite the disappointing derby defeat, Pallister believes Kobe Manu has been Manchester United’s best player so far this season.
The midfielder impressed on Sunday, nearly scoring with a shot that hit the post and playing 90 minutes against £116m-rated Elliott Anderson.
“Kobe had a real purple patch in the game yesterday. I think he’s a smart player. I don’t know that his best role is still in the midfield area, but he handles the ball well. He sees the pass, he can score, and he hit the post yesterday with a nice shot,” Pallister said.
“It just leaves you scratching your head as to why he was snubbed by Manchester United last year but never got noticed at the World Cup because he has some great qualities.”
Pallister also praised Bruno Fernandes, who was quiet against Manchester City but was still the creator of any of United’s impressive moments.
“Kobe, yeah, probably early in the season, and Bruno because he was eight out of 10 in most games,” he said.
“But after that, you might think Kobe is the best player so far this season.”
Bruno Fernandes remains key player for Manchester United
Fernandes has already scored a hat-trick against Ipswich Town this season, but United’s reliance on their captain has raised questions about the team’s ability to perform when he is not at his best.
Pallister acknowledged the concerns while making it clear that he considers the Portugal international to be one of the best players in world football.
“Yeah, I mean, the only way for us yesterday was to get the ball to Mbeumo and they probably should have scored from there,” he said.
“But yes, I think Roy Keane was talking yesterday about what Bruno brings to the team in terms of assists, energy, goals and quality. Wow, he’s the best in the world for me.”
“What we would do without him, God only knows, because season after season he has proven to be the first-choice player for the team. He is in the form of his life, he plays every game. Whether this continues into his thirties, we will wait and see.
“But as a footballer and a Manchester United ambassador, it’s a pleasure to watch him. There was a lot of talk last year about him leaving for a big fee, but he nailed his colors to the mast and said, ‘No, I’m a Manchester United player.'”