Rooney calls for VAR to be SCRAPPED after Pro Ref issue Man Utd apology

Wayne Rooney has called for the end of VAR following Manchester United’s controversial defeat to Manchester City. The Red Devils slipped to a 1-0 defeat to their local rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Erling Haaland’s second-half goal was enough for Enzo Maresca’s side, albeit the strike was covered in controversy. It was originally ruled out by the linesman’s flag, only for VAR to intervene and recommend that the goal was given.

However, it was then shown that Enzo Fernandez was offside, having attempted to nod the ball home. Speaking about that decision, United icon Wayne Rooney said: “Surely it's offside. Martinez is impacted by Enzo's movement, and he is offside.”

Pro Ref then issued a statement in the aftermath apologising and admitting that the strike should have been chalked off. It read: "Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland's awarded goal.

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"The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland - that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.

"In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

"Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place."

That led to Rooney growing even more irritated and has now called for an end to VAR in the Premier League. He said: “I’m just so sick of VAR. I think it’s horrendous. It takes all of the emotion out of the game and the energy that the game is played with.

“To not see that and to not recognise that Enzo Fernandez is in an offside position, anyone who has played the game at any level understands that and knows he’s in an offside position. To get it so wrong, it’s just baffling.”

Haaland’s goal was not the only controversial moment at Old Trafford on Sunday. City star Phil Foden was also dismissed for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

Boss Enzo Maresca admitted in the aftermath that his forward deserved a red card, but claimed that the United midfielder should also have been given an early bath for his part in the incident.