Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has delivered a scathing assessment of the VAR decision that allowed Erling Haaland’s goal to stand in Sunday’s Manchester Derby, while also warning that Michael Carrick’s side remain some way off Premier League champions Arsenal’s level.
United suffered a controversial 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Haaland’s goal sparking debate over whether Lisandro Martinez had been impeded by an offside Enzo Fernandez in the build-up.
The moment forced an apology from Pro Ref, who admitted a lapse in judgement that allowed City’s goal to stand.
Pallister, speaking to Gambler Media, did not hold back when asked for his assessment of the decision, describing it as the worst VAR call he has ever witnessed.
“There have been some beauties in the past, but I’d probably have to say that is the worst VAR decision I have ever seen,” Pallister said.
“Anyone watching the game with any knowledge of the offside law knows that Lisandro Martinez is impeded in getting to the ball by Enzo Fernandez but then they give the goal anyway. You’re left scratching your head.
“Whoever is in the VAR room responsible for making that decision doesn’t know anything about football. An absolutely incredulous decision.”
Pallister calls for VAR officials to face sanctions
Although critical of the decision at Old Trafford, Pallister stressed that he remains a supporter of VAR and believes the technology has an important role to play in the Premier League.
However, the former United centre-back argued that officials must face consequences when serious mistakes cost team points in high-stakes matches.
“I’ve stood behind VAR for a long time because they do get a lot of decisions right, but with what happened at Old Trafford yesterday, they just can’t be getting that wrong,” he said.
“I don’t know who is behind VAR, but whoever was in the room there yesterday clearly got it wrong, and that is an embarrassment for VAR and the whole process.
“It puts people like Michael Carrick under pressure for losing a derby game, which shouldn’t have happened. I think referees and VAR officials need potential sanctions for making such errors.”
Manchester United have a long way to go to match Arsenal
Despite the setback on Sunday, Pallister believes United’s rebuild will require patience, pointing to Arsenal’s lengthy process of developing a competitive squad under Mikel Arteta.
Asked what needs to improve for United to reach Arsenal’s level, he suggested the difference between the two teams could take years to achieve.
“To get to Arsenal’s level? Oh, wow, I don’t know. I know you’ve got to build that team up over a period of time. Michael’s only at the start of his managerial career at United, so he’s trying to find the right fits for the team that are going to help us improve,” he said.
“Arsenal are, what, 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 immediate priority must be to develop a side capable of controlling matches rather than simply relying on individual moments.
“At the moment, I don’t think we can dominate games, and I think we’ve got to find a way to do that,” Pallister said.
“Whether that’s personality, character, the quality of the players, or a team ethic, you’ve got to find all that in your side and give them the confidence that they can go out, dominate games, and win games.
“At the moment, the start of the season has lacked a little bit of that, I would suggest. So we kind of have to bring that to the party, I guess.”
Kobbie Mainoo singled out for praise
Despite the disappointment of the derby defeat, Pallister identified Kobbie Mainoo as United’s standout performer so far this season.
The midfielder impressed during Sunday’s match and came close to scoring with a strike that hit the post, as well as competing with £116million man Elliot Anderson for 90 minutes.
“Kobbie had a real purple patch yesterday in the game. I think he’s a clever player. I don’t know what his best role is still in that midfield area, but he looks after the ball well. He sees a pass, he can score a goal, and he hit the post yesterday with a great strike,” Pallister said.
“It just leaves you scratching your head as to why he was put out in the cold last year by United and never got a sniff at the World Cup, because he’s got some terrific qualities.”
Pallister also praised Bruno Fernandes, who had a quiet game against City but has remained the architect of any impressive Manchester United moments.
“Kobbie and, yeah, probably at the start of this season, Bruno as well, because he’s an eight-out-of-ten player most games,” he said.
“But after that, you’d probably look at Kobbie as the outstanding player so far this season.”
Bruno Fernandes remains United’s key player
Fernandes has already produced a hat-trick against Ipswich this season, but United’s reliance on their captain has raised questions about whether the team can perform when he is not at his best.
Pallister acknowledged that concern while making clear that he considers the Portugal international one of the finest players in world football.
“Yeah, I mean, the only way we got through yesterday was that ball through to Mbeumo, which they probably should have scored from,” he said.
“But, yeah, I think Roy Keane spoke yesterday about what Bruno brings to the team in terms of assists, energy, goals, and quality. Wow, he’s up there with the best in the world for me.
“Where we’d be without him, God only knows, because season after season, he’s proved to be the go-to player. He’s in the form of his life and he plays every game. Whether that carries on into his thirties, we’ll wait and see.
“But he’s been a joy to watch as a footballer, and as an ambassador for Manchester United as well. There was a lot of talk about him leaving for a lot of money last year, and he nailed his colours to the mast and said, ‘No, I’m a United player.'”
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