Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has hit back at the narrative surrounding Erling Haaland's controversial winning goal against Manchester United, insisting that the focus on refereeing controversy has undermined recognition of a remarkable team performance.

Haaland's 60th-minute strike settled a feisty Manchester derby at Old Trafford 1-0, but the goal — awarded following a VAR review that overturned an initial offside flag — was subsequently found to be incorrect. The referees' body later acknowledged that the officials had failed to assess whether Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position when he challenged for the ball, interfering with the play before Haaland turned home the winner.

The error has dominated the headlines ever since, frustrating Maresca ahead of Thursday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Norwich City.