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Erling Haaland admitted he thought his goal might be ruled out after the assistant referee raised the flag for offside during Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.
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Haaland scored the only goal of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, but the strike was not immediately given. The linesman flagged for offside after Josko Gvardiol’s cross found the Norwegian at the back post.
VAR then took a closer look at the incident. The review showed that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu’s trailing foot had kept Haaland onside.
The goal was eventually awarded, allowing City to take the lead and eventually secure all three points.
Speaking to Skysport right after the game ended, he revealed that he initially believed he was offside and had to wait for confirmation from the officials.
“So maybe that was unlucky because I know they don’t go offside,” Haaland said when discussing the moment.
The City striker explained that he looked toward the official after the review and received a signal that helped him understand the goal would stand.
“I looked over and he said, like, give me a thumb up, and then I kind of knew that it was a goal,” Haaland added.
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That gave him enough time to prepare for the celebration.
“So I kind of prepared myself to go and celebrate.”
Haaland calls derby win one of his sweetest feelings
The goal was even more important because Manchester City had been playing with 10 men for most of the match.
Phil Foden was sent off in the first half, leaving City with a difficult task at Old Trafford. Haaland eventually found the breakthrough in the 60th minute, and City’s defense held on for the rest of the game.
For Haaland, the circumstances made the victory particularly special.
“The sweetest feeling as it gets,” he said.
“I think, honestly, this is one of the better, because the occasion and everything, ten men and everything.”
City had to defend their lead with a player less, while United pushed for an equalizer. The home side also came close on several occasions, making the final result even more significant for the visitors.
“Of course, it’s always nice to win football games, never take that for granted, but especially at this, you know, ten men for, I don’t know, almost 60 minutes or something,” Haaland said.
“A torture for this. It’s a difficult task, so to do that with ten men is so nice.”
The Norwegian also mentionned the reaction of the traveling City fans, who celebrated wildly at the final whistle.
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“And to see the fans as well, how much they enjoyed themselves,” he added.
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