Carrick backs VAR despite derby error

Michael Carrick says he still trusts VAR, even after a costly mistake during Manchester United’s derby against Manchester City. The United head coach argued that while the system failed at a crucial moment, that doesn’t change his belief in the technology.

According to BBC Sport, VAR failed to flag Enzo Fernández for offside and for clearly interfering with play before City’s winning goal at Old Trafford. The report adds that VAR referee Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus were left out of this weekend’s matches after missing the incident.

Belief in the system

Ahead of United’s Premier League trip to Fulham on Sunday, Carrick was asked whether he still has faith in VAR. He said the moment felt huge at the time, but stressed that VAR is still “the system we work towards” and the one they use.

The apology for the error, delivered soon after the 1-0 defeat, did not sit well with the wider consequences. BBC Sport also notes that referee chief Howard Webb has faced heavy criticism for officiating standards, and that Webb said he was “really disappointed” because officials focused on a potential offside involving Haaland rather than assessing Fernández’s position properly. Webb also spoke with United as part of efforts to improve accountability.

Support for Leny Yoro

Carrick also backed Leny Yoro after his performance in United’s 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton on Wednesday. The manager argued there’s no single cut-off point for development and warned against knee-jerk judgments after one game, saying the club still has belief in the defender’s future.

Source: BBC Sport.