Gary Neville makes Man Utd prediction as Premier League issue statement on Erling Haaland goal

Controversy in 199th Manchester derby

Gary Neville has predicted that Manchester United will receive an apology over Manchester City’s goal in the Manchester derby.

Haaland scored the only goal of the game at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, though the Man City striker’s joy was, initially, short-lived as the offside flag was raised.

However, following a VAR check the goal was allowed to stand - even though Enzo Fernandez appeared to make a genuine attempt to score despite being in an offside position.

Amid confusion over the goal, the Premier League have explained the goal was awarded because Fernandez did not play the ball.

A statement reads: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

“The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.”

What is the offside rule?

A player is offside when interfering with an opponent by:

Reacting to the decision, Neville - on Sky Sports - believes Pro Ref will recognise they got the decision wrong, claiming Fernandez prevented Lisandro Martinez from getting to the ball before Haaland.

"They're the words that I think – emphatically – means we will see an apology from Pro Ref,” Neville said.

"There is no doubt that Enzo is attempting to play the ball and putting Lisandro Martinez off

"It’s a really strange one. They’ll recognise they got that wrong."