After suffering defeat in the 199th Manchester derby, Michael Carrick was told he may very well receive an apology for the conspicuous decision that cost his side at Old Trafford.
His response during the post-match press conference, layered in frustration, was as you’d expect: “Yeah, that’d be great. I can’t wait for that one.” Understandably, at that stage, words were irrelevant, and the damage had been done.
As it turned out, similarly to a sorrowful cheating husband, those at the Pro Refs headquarters were penning their best admission of error. And, much like a boring novella, they offered such in due course.
Carrick had already shared his feelings about the “obvious” blunder in allowing Erling Haaland’s goal to stand, particularly because of the interjection that overruled the correct decision made at M16.
So much of the usual criteria was disregarded during this bizarre exchange, such as not invoking the standard practices for a subjective decision, one that would have sent Michael Oliver to the touchline screens.
We’ve often discussed the possibility of human error, and that is to be expected. Still, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was created to alleviate this exact kind of situation, not enhance it.
Does the sum of VAR’s latest shame remove blame from an otherwise blunt performance? No, it does not, and I would not pardon it. However, it played a significant role in the changing dynamic on the field.
Now, we all acknowledge the worrying trend at play, contrary to some rather absurd suggestions. Four points from a possible 12 is unacceptable.
Much like Ruben Amorim’s capitulation against 10-man Everton, Carrick’s players lacked the required game management and intelligence when operating with a man advantage.
City are good, and Elliot Anderson is an elite operator. Nonetheless, as good as he is, the Reds were toying with Enzo Maresca’s midfield before Phil Foden saw red.
Whether you single out individuals, the team collective or the management, the byproduct of what was a favourable situation turned rather pedestrian. And it’s not the first time I’ve found myself saying that.
However, it would be foolhardy to ignore the ramifications of the decision made by Stockley Park’s finest, and acknowledging this is not something to be frowned upon.
At the time of Haaland’s goal, United had started the half well and were controlling the fixture, hitting the woodwork for a second time through Kobbie Mainoo’s long-distance effort.
Ironically, that was City’s first shot following the restart, and one of their few passages of interplay in the final third.
It’s crucial to remember that, while Maresca’s side handled the affair shrewdly, they mustered just two half-chances in the first half, and four in the second.
However, similar to Foden’s sending-off, the goal shifted each side’s mentality, and Carrick saw his team’s attacking impetus wilt. This is where the seeds of concern begin to grow.
If not for an inspired save from Senne Lammens, Enzo Fernandez would have doubled City’s advantage moments after his Norwegian teammate soaked up the visiting applause.
Generally, emotions impact decisions after the final whistle of a defeat, and revisionism is one of the most frequent social traits, often abused across mainstream media.
United were dull, devoid of attacking ideas in the final third, and agonisingly predictable at times; all of that is true. But United were not played off the park, and Bruno Fernandes’ team outpassed City 235 to 137 during the second half.
That said, two defeats and a draw from four Premier League fixtures is a damning outcome for any side, particularly Manchester United.
Results dictate so much of the modern game, and time is a prize that many are not granted. Carrick and his coaching team know this, and will be keen to atone for an underwhelming domestic start.
But this is the man who oversaw a 71 per cent win ratio from 17 fixtures last season, and has earned a fragment of support from the fanbase as he attempts to bypass his first bump in the road.
As disenchanted as I am today, I will stand by that sentiment, and so should you.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels. Photo by News Images via depositphotos.com.
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