Why Bruno Fernandes Goal Against Manchester City Was Not Supposed To Stand

Erik ten Hag bagged his greatest win as Manchester United's manager after a spirited comeback saw his side beat Manchester City on January 14th at Old Trafford albeit under controversial circumstances. 

The win saw Manchester United insert themselves into the title race debate as they went to within a point of Manchester City and six of league leaders, Arsenal. 

The game was however not without

Casemiro released a ball through on goal which was challenged by Marcus Rashford who was in a clear offside position. The England international left the ball for his teammate, Fernandes who was onside. Fernandes lifted the ball past Ederson but the celebrations were halted momentarily. 

The linesman immediately ruled the goal out but after a brief discussion with the referee Stuart Atwell, the goal was given. 

Did Marcus Rashford interfere with play during Bruno Fernandes' goal? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/jnKQCiJZ5R

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 14, 2023

Issues were raised by Manchester City players that the fact that Rashford decided to vie for the ball in an offside position, the goal should have been ruled out cause he was interfering with play. 

United's argument must have been Rashford did not touch the ball nor did he interfere with an opposition player. 

Another argument can be floated that Ederson came out because he thought Rashford was going for the ball. 

Atwell was not convinced that Rashford interfered with any player and thus the goal was allowed to stand. 

The Video Assistant Referee was not called into action. Four minutes later, Rashford bagged the winner off an Alejandro Garnacho assist. 

What fans thought 

@ChrisBlackham said:

 "Goal stands by the rules but if you can tell me with a straight face that Ederson takes up that position if Rashford isn’t interfering you are kidding yourself," 

@KofiJonah1 said:

 "United fans should enjoy this decision that went in their favour. They’ll be on the other end next time. It always happens What goes around comes around " 

@BannaSpur said: 

"If a player shields the ball, it is counted as him/her having possession...so yeah, offside for sure. " 

@SportsDjf said: 

"The only way that Rashford could not have affected play is A. He stops running to allow Bruno to play the ball. Or B he runs away from the ball. Running over the hall like that commits the goalie. Would the net have been empty for Bruno if Rashford hadn't?" 

The decision notwithstanding, the win was a testament of United's improvement under ten Hag. Manchester City's only shot on target was the goal by Grealish. 

Source: SportsBrief