Premier League Manchester United beat Manchester City in the second Manchester derby of the season amidst an offside controversy.
Man United came from behind to win 2-1 at home at Old Trafford.
The opening goal was scored by Man City's Jack Grealish in the 15th minute of the second half.
Grealish finished with a header from Kevin Debrawiner's cross from the right side of the penalty area.
Eighteen minutes later, United equalized after an offside controversy.
Manchester United's Casemiro pricked a penetrating pass to Marcus Rashford, who was running into the space behind the opponent near the half-line.
Man City's central defender Manuel Akanzi ran in a hurry in pursuit of Rashford, who was running towards the ball, and the ball was connected to Bruno Fernands, who was running together towards the penalty area.
Fernandes connected it with a non-stop shot to open Man City's goal.
Just as Fernandes was about to express his joy, the assistant referee raised a flag and declared offside, prompting United players to protest.
Even if Rashford didn't catch the ball, he could have been called offside if his play ahead of the defense affected the reaction of the City players.
Although he did not actually touch the rolling ball, Rashford confused the Manchester City defenders who were following him by making a motion as if he was about to shoot.
However, after talking for 15 seconds, the referee approached the assistant referee and suddenly overturned the decision and acknowledged the goal.
The referee communicated remotely with the video review (VAR) referees, but did not directly replay the scene on the monitor.
Manchester United, who equalized with this goal, completed a come-from-behind victory five minutes later when Rashford, who received Alejandro Garnacho's grounder cross in front of the goal, shook the net directly.
After the game, Man City's side revealed that it was difficult to accept the judgment in question.
According to the British BBC, Akanji, who allowed a goal in front of his eyes, claimed, "Rashford ran 30m to receive the ball and stopped when the ball came right in front of him. It was obviously offside."
Manager Pep Guardiola also pointed out, "Rashford's play was obviously offside, but the referee said it wasn't."
Local experts also expressed their opinion that it is difficult to easily understand this judgment.
BBC player-turned-journalist Chris Sutton tweeted: "Rashford must have been involved in the play. Every defender predicts that Rashford will be called offside at that moment."
Petr Cech, who played goalkeeper for Chelsea and Arsenal, pointed out that "Man United's first goal shows that the people who make the rules of football do not understand the game."
Former English football star Michael Owen, who once played for Manchester United, wrote: "An equalizer would create a huge debate".
Man Utd (12 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses, 38 points), which won amid controversy, took 3rd place with 9 consecutive victories in the official match.
The gap with second place Man City (12 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses, 39 points) was also narrowed to 1 point.
(Photo = AP, Yonhap News)