On Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford, Manchester United stunned everyone by controversially drawing even with rival Manchester City. The team then went on an incredible comeback to win the derby.
Fans who watched the game throughout the nation were perplexed as to why Bruno Fernandes’ composed finish over Ederson stood even though Marcus Rashford was obviously offside in the build-up. As the final City defender was beyond the England striker, Casemiro threw a cutting pass in his direction.
Rashford crucially failed to touch the ball, allowing Fernandes to sprint onto it, shoot first-time past Ederson, and bring United even after Jack Grealish’s second-half goal. The goal would remain even though the linesman’s flag was initially raised, according to a VAR check.
Rashford was in an offside position when Casemiro passed, but that didn’t matter because it was decided that he hadn’t interfered with play before Fernandes scored. Peter Walton, a former Premier League official, stated this in a BT Sport interview.
The legislation was changed, according to Walton, “to truly refute the issue of whether he touches the ball or interferes with an opponent playing the ball.” “Since he (Rashford) does neither, he is not in violation of the law as it currently stands. Actually, Rashford’s performance is excellent.”
Before VAR awarded the goal, Walton said he anticipated the initial judgment would be reversed. Well, let’s just say I think this is a goal, he added. Rashford has not interfered with the ball, gone for the ball, or played the ball himself, as you correctly point out. The offside position raises the flag, however after VAR review and after the assistant consults with Stuart Atwell, I believe this to be a goal.
The United No. 10 was praised by co-commentator Jermaine Jenas for his deft maneuver to keep from touching the ball, adding: “It’s very, really brilliant from Marcus Rashford and the City players are not happy. It seems like the appropriate choice to me. They continue to argue with the referee.
I think it is the right decision. They’re still arguing with the referee, but he’s not going to change his mind now.
“There is no denying that Rashford is clearly offside, and he most likely is aware of it. He is currently being yelled at by Bruno to stop, but in actuality, he doesn’t touch the ball—or at least, it doesn’t appear that he does. It’s an excellent inside finish. Since City took complete control of this game, Old Trafford has suddenly sprung to life.”
Rashford scored what ultimately turned out to be the game-winning goal and gave United all three points after his deft play in the lead-up to the equalizer. The childhood Red Devil made a close-range shot to score after Alejandro Garnacho did an outstanding job of positioning him in the box.