Manchester United suffered their second defeat of the Premier League season against Manchester City at Old Trafford. 

Erling Haaland netted the only goal of the game, though there was some controversy about the effort. After a lengthy VAR check, the Norwegian was given onside by Patrick Dorgu's foot, but United fans remain confused as Enzo Fernandez appeared to interfere with Lisandro Martínez's attempts to defend the cross. 

Before the incident, Manchester United were the better side, with City down to 10 men after just 22 minutes when Phil Foden kicked out at Bruno Fernandes. 

Michael Carrick's side failed to make the man advantage count, but the head coach is refusing to blame his players. 

Speaking to journalists after the match, Carrick revealed he would not blame his squad, depsite their failure to break down a 10-man Manchester City defence. 

"I can't be too critical of the players and I won’t be. Today we didn't quite find what we need," he said. 

Carrick will be cautious with his words, given his side have only picked up four points from their first four Premier League matches, despite facing two newly-promoted sides. 

When asked for his thoughts on the goal, Carrick said: "At the time I hadn't totally seen it.

"The explanation I got is he wasn't interfering with play. I just don't get it. We try to help referees to come up with the right decisions, it's that how the rules are interpreted.

"On top of that, where they drew the line was a bit dubious. It's worrying if that's how the game is seen by the officials."

Manchester United will know they need to improve if they are to compete in the Premier League this campaign. They face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening before travelling to Fulham on Sunday afternoon. 

While Michael Carrick is known for keeping a cool head, after playing against 10 men for over 60 minutes, questions need to be asked about the quality of the players on the pitch. 

For the second time this season, Manchester United have been in a situation where they should have gone on to win the game, but they have failed to do so. 

Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo impressed, as did many of the individuals during spells on the pitch, but they did not put a performance together to beat the 10 men of Manchester City. 

As soon as Maresca's side dropped into a compact shape, United could not find any joy against the City backline. When they reached the final third, players would become stagnant, and passes would become slow. 

Michael Carrick is right not to blame his squad for the offside goal, but if he is not asking for improvements on the overall performance, United will struggle as the campaign continues. 

United fans spent the hour before kick-off protesting the ownership. A banner was unveiled reading: "The way you treat us is a disgrace." 

The ownership or VAR?