The controversy surrounded Haaland's goal in the 60th minute at Old Trafford, which was initially flagged as offside by the assistant referee but overruled by VAR Matthew Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus. They stated that City midfielder Enzo Fernández was not active and interfering with play in the middle of the penalty area, despite the assistant referee's initial call.

A review of the incident will take place, with Pro Ref acknowledging an error of judgement. Manchester United have been contacted to acknowledge the mistake, following criticism from manager Michael Carrick and defender Lisandro Martínez, who called the decision 'worrying' and 'an injustice' respectively.