VAR confirms reason Man Utd’s Diogo Dalot wasn’t sent off for horror tackle vs Man City

An explanation has been provided for why Diogo Dalot did not receive a red card for his challenge on Jeremy Doku in the first half of Saturday's derby between Manchester United and Manchester City. Dalot was booked for catching Doku with a high boot on the knee.

VAR checked the challenge after on-field referee Anthony Taylor issued a yellow card to Dalot. But Taylor's original decision stood after VAR officials investigated the incident.

The yellow card decision stood, as VAR did not think there was sufficient intent to upgrade it to a red card. The Premier League's official match centre account on X said: "The referee’s call of a yellow card to Dalot for a reckless challenge was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be glancing and not with excessive force."

Reacting on Sky Sports to the decision, former United captain and defender Gary Neville highlighted his concern for Dalot before VAR confirmed he would escape any further action.

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He said: "Not good. It is knee high. The ball is there and Jeremy Doku shifts it.

"Diogo Dalot is very late. He is clearly looking for the ball, but Doku is too quick for him."

United are hoping to boost their chances of European qualification this season with a win against their neighbours. City, meanwhile, will look to pile the pressure on Arsenal by taking three points from their trip to Old Trafford.

City are six points behind leaders Arsenal after a run of three league games without a win. United are seventh and have failed to capitalise on a favourable run of fixtures, though they are still just three points off Liverpool in fourth.

And Red Devils Interim boss Michael Carrick hopes Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha can make an impact off the bench against City.

Carrick was asked by Neville on Sky Sports why the pair have been dropped and said: "We’ve got a good squad of players, that’s something that we’ve got to decide on. There was always going to be players disappointed not to start.

"But finishing the game is even more important these days. They’ve got huge talent. It’s not personal at all. I’m a big fan of both boys and they’ll make a big difference for us."

Kobbie Mainoo makes his first start of the Premier League season. "Kobbie is a fantastic player, he’s got huge talent and ability. A big thing for me is he’s played in some huge occasions," said Carrick.

"Being able to cope with the expectation, he’s played with the national team so that element goes with it and I’m looking forward to seeing him thrive."

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