Wayne Rooney calls for VAR to be scrapped after controversial Manchester United defeat

Wayne Rooney has called for the video assistant referee system to be abolished after Manchester United’s controversial 1-0 defeat by Manchester City at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the Premier League.

Erling Haaland’s second-half goal proved decisive for Enzo Maresca’s side, but the strike led to lengthy debate over whether it should have stood.

The goal was initially disallowed after the assistant referee raised his flag for offside. However, the video assistant referee intervened and recommended that the decision be overturned.

Replays later appeared to show that Enzo was in an offside position after attempting to direct the ball towards goal with his head.

Rooney’s comments, reported by the Mirror, were unequivocal.

“There is definitely an offside. Martinez was affected by Enzo’s movement, and he was in an offside position,” said the former Manchester United striker.

Following the incident, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited issued a statement apologising and acknowledged that Haaland’s goal should have been disallowed.

Rooney, who made 559 appearances for Manchester United, said the incident reinforced his frustration with VAR.

“I am genuinely fed up with VAR. I think it is awful. It takes away all the emotion and energy with which football is played,” he said.

“To not see that and not realise that Enzo was offside is something anyone who has played football at any level understands and recognises. To make a mistake like that is extremely baffling.”

Foden also sent off at Old Trafford

The disputed goal was not the only incident to attract attention during the match.

Manchester City forward Phil Foden was also dismissed after kicking Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

After the game, Maresca accepted that Foden deserved to receive a red card for the incident. However, the Manchester City manager also argued that Fernandes should have been punished in the same way and sent off for his part in the confrontation.

The result gave Maresca’s team victory in a match overshadowed by the officiating decisions, with the controversy surrounding the disallowed offside decision continuing after the final whistle.