Manchester United took a huge win in the derby against Manchester City on Saturday, but the game was not without controversy. Bruno Fernandes' late equaliser would cause huge debate about the spirit of the laws, and an explanation from BBC Radio 5 Live on why the goal stood will baffle many fans.
United looked lifeless for large spells of the second half, and fell behind to a Jack Grealish header on the hour mark.
They would equalise with little over ten minutes to go, but the goal from Bruno Fernandes had City fuming, after a controversial decision to allow the goal to stand despite Marcus Rashford being in an offside position.
Bruno Fernandes scores contentious equaliser in derby win
Manchester United struggled to make an impression in the second half against Manchester City, until Bruno Fernandes' neat finish ignited Old Trafford.
It initially appeared as though the goal would be ruled out. A through ball from Casemiro was aimed for Marcus Rashford, but the in-form forward was clearly offside. Rashford appeared to think about hitting the ball, before Fernandes stormed in and finished to get United back on level terms.
Fernandes was furious when the linesman's flag went up, before a VAR review judged that Rashford had not interfered with play, and the goal could stand.
Bruno Fernandes causes scenes at Old Trafford! 💥
His goal is ruled onside after the linesman initially put his flag up! ✅ pic.twitter.com/AJDIGH2Be5— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 14, 2023
City were furious, with Nathan Aké leading the protests against referee Stuart Attwell. City's defenders appeared to swarm towards Rashford, leaving Fernandes free to score, drawing into question how the offside decision had not been upheld.
The laws state that offside offences come when a player plays or touches the ball from an offside position, or if they prevent an opposition player from playing or challenging for the ball. The rationale for allowing the goal to stand was presumably that Rashford did not attempt to play the ball, or obstruct the City defenders as Fernandes rushed in.
Mark Chapman on BBC Radio Five Live explained how the officials came to the decision to allow the goal to stand. After discussion, the officials on the pitch made the call that Rashford had not touched the ball and the goal should stand, and VAR could find no clear and obvious error with the on-field decision.
By the letter of the law, the decision was fair, but the spirit of the game would draw into question whether Rashford's presence had impacted on City's defence of the attack.
Manchester United would take the lead just minutes later, through a goal from Rashford, and would hold on for a crucial victory that puts them just one point behind City in the table.
Marcus Rashford is at it again! 🔥
Alejandro Garnacho and Man Utd's number 10 combine to put the home side 2-1 up in the derby! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/kaUSgVv1iL— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 14, 2023
City fans were not happy, however, with United's opener, and Didi Hamann and Petr Cech were among those who took issue with Fernandes' equaliser.
How is that goal given? This is the most ridiculous decision I’ve ever seen. Give us our football back.
— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) January 14, 2023
The first United goal just proved the people who make the rules don’t understand the game.
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) January 14, 2023
If Rashford isn’t there, Ederson comes for the ball and gets it. Rashford does not stop going for the ball until the actual moment Fernandes takes the shot. Worst decision I can remember seeing in the Premier League and it has a massive impact on the title race
— Jordan Elgott (@JElgott) January 14, 2023
That goal has to be offside, if Rashford isn’t there then Kyle Walker makes a challenge on Fernandes. Rashford looks like he’s about to shoot so Walker goes back towards goal.
— Chris Perry (@ChrisPezPerry) January 14, 2023
If Rashford isn’t there, Akanji gets to that ball comfortably before Fernandes https://t.co/4M392nFoF1
— City Content (@citehchants) January 14, 2023
That Fernandes goal sets a dangerous precedent for strikers - who know they’re offside - chasing after balls and stretching defences, just to let a teammate take the shot.
— Amos Murphy (@AmosMurphy_) January 14, 2023
No doubt the controversy around Bruno Fernandes' goal will rage on in the weeks to come, and it has a huge impact on the title race.
Arsenal now have a chance to go eight points clear of Manchester City in second, while United sit just one point behind their Manchester rivals in third place.
Erik Ten Hag's United face Arsenal next weekend, in a game that now feels even bigger in the context of this Premier League season.
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