NEWS · 20 Sep 2026
Carrick remains confident in VAR after derby blunder
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says he still has faith in VAR, despite the controversial decision that cost his side a home defeat to Manchester City in the derby. He insists the technology is still useful and should not be abandoned.
After a contentious home defeat to Manchester City, Manchester United’s head coach Michael Carrick has publicly stated that he still believes in the use of VAR, even though a controversial decision in the derby is seen as having cost his team the match.
The incident, which involved a disputed call on the field, sparked debate among fans and pundits about the accuracy of video assistant refereeing in high‑profile fixtures.
United’s loss at Old Trafford was a setback in the Premier League, leaving the club in a difficult position in the title race and prompting questions about the effectiveness of VAR in crucial moments.
Despite the criticism, Carrick maintains that the technology has proven useful in many situations and that abandoning it would be a mistake for the sport.
Looking ahead, United will need to regroup as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, while the debate over VAR’s role in football is likely to continue as the season progresses.