Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has revisited the controversial Manchester derby decision from 2023 after his side benefited from another disputed VAR call in the latest meeting with Manchester United.
Maresca, who was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff when City lost at Old Trafford three years ago, pointed to the Bruno Fernandes goal that followed Marcus Rashford’s involvement while in an offside position. He noted that City never received an apology for that decision.
Softfootball understands that Maresca’s comments came after the recent controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s winning goal, which was initially ruled offside before VAR overturned the decision. Pro Ref later acknowledged that the goal should not have stood because Enzo Fernández was in an offside position and interfered with play.
Rather than dwelling entirely on the officiating, Maresca stressed that such incidents are part of football and can benefit one team on one occasion before going against them at another time.
The City boss can also point to the club’s significant midfield rebuild as another major storyline this season. Maresca insists Manchester City need sufficient midfield depth to compete for the Premier League title, with Enzo Fernández, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi among the major additions following the departures of several experienced players.
Maresca has already praised the new midfield options and their ability to contribute from both the starting XI and the bench. City’s summer recruitment was designed to provide greater competition and flexibility across the middle of the pitch.
With the title race now underway, Maresca will hope his expanded midfield options can help City maintain consistency while the manager continues to build his own team following Guardiola’s departure.
