Photo via Sky Sports

We know Haaland's goal was a mistake - but WHY did it happen?

Manchester City secured victory against Manchester United on Sunday through a decisive Erling Haaland strike that has triggered intense debate. The effort was initially flagged offside on the field, yet a video review reversed the call after determinating that United back Patrick Dorgu kept Haaland in legal territory.

However, City's Enzo Fernandez had lunged for the cross from an unlawful location directly in front of the net prior to the finish, prompting refereeing body Pro Ref to later acknowledge that upholding the goal was an incorrect call.

The officiating authority admitted that the video crew failed to account for Fernandez's clear disruption of the action six yards out, offering only limited reasoning for the blunder. Match footage and official communications during play suggest reviewers were overly preoccupied with determining whether Fernandez brushed the ball, rather than evaluating his undeniable influence between two defenders.