FA disagrees with panel over Bruno goal on Man United Derby as Man city files first report on VAR decision

Bruno Fernandes equalized for Manchester United against Manchester City, but only after a VAR review determined that Marcus Rashford had interfered with the play.

Manchester United scored a contentious equalizer against Manchester City before completing an incredible comeback to win the derby at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Fans throughout the country were perplexed as to why Bruno Fernandes’ clinical finish past Ederson stood despite Marcus Rashford clearly being offside in the build-up. As Casemiro played a scything forward pass, the England attacker was beyond the final City defender.

Rashford, on the other hand, failed not to get a touch on the ball, allowing Fernandes to race onto it and smash first-time past Ederson, bringing United level after replacement Jack Grealish’s second-half opener. Although the linesman’s flag was raised originally, a VAR review confirmed the goal will stand.

Manchester United scored a contentious equalizer against Manchester City before completing an incredible comeback to win the derby at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Fans throughout the country were perplexed as to why Bruno Fernandes’ clinical finish past Ederson stood despite Marcus Rashford clearly being offside in the build-up. As Casemiro played a scything forward pass, the England attacker was beyond the final City defender.

Rashford, on the other hand, failed not to get a touch on the ball, allowing Fernandes to race onto it and smash first-time past Ederson, bringing United level after replacement Jack Grealish’s second-half opener. Although the linesman’s flag was raised originally, a VAR review confirmed the goal will stand.

This is because Rashford was ruled not to have interfered with play before Fernandes’ strike, therefore the fact that he was offside at the moment of Casemiro’s pass was immaterial. Peter Walton, a former Premier League referee, addressed this on BT Sport.

“The legislation was changed to address that notion of whether he touches the ball or interferes with an opponent who is playing the ball,” Walton explained. “He (Rashford) does neither, so he is not in violation of the law. Rashford’s performance is actually extremely good.”

“There is no doubt that Rashford is in an offside position, and he is undoubtedly aware of it. Bruno is now yelling at him to leave, and the reality is that he doesn’t seem to touch the ball. From the outside, it’s a fantastic finish. Old Trafford has sprung to life, almost out of nowhere – City had complete control of this game.”

After his brilliant play in the build-up to the equalizer, Rashford struck what proved to be the winning goal and sealed all three points for United. After great work from Alejandro Garnacho to locate him in the box, the youthful Red Devil prodded home from close range.