The video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, Matt Donohue, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, have not been appointed for this weekend’s Premier League games.

The decision was made by the Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the management team.

It follows Pro Ref admitting to an “error of judgement” in awarding Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City at Manchester United on Sunday.

The striker scored in the 60th minute at Old Trafford when he turned in a shot at the back post from Josko Gvardiol’s cross.

His effort was initially disallowed on the field for offside but, following VAR intervention, the goal was awarded as the Norwegian was ruled to have been played onside by Patrick Dorgu’s boot.

However, there was debate as to whether the goal should have been disallowed for City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, interfering with play as he dived attempting to head the ball in a central position before Haaland’s finish.

“It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” said Pro Ref in a statement.

“However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.”

City, who had Phil Foden sent off after 23 minutes, maintained their 100% league record from four games with the victory.

Coutinho discussed his decision to join Santos at his unveiling press conference. He stated that Neymar played a very important role in this, contacting him multiple times and ultimately convincing him to reconsider and accept the challenge.

Coutinho said: “Of course, Neymar played a very important role in me coming here. He is a player who needs no introduction, and a friend I’ve known since childhood; we’ve known each other for many years.

I think he was the first person in football to message me after I left Vasco. The day after I left, he messaged me. At the time, I told him: ‘Neymar, it would certainly be great to play with you, but it’s not possible for me right now. I’m not in good shape, I really can’t.’

And at that time, it really didn’t make sense to me. Then, a few months later, he approached me again, and my answer was still the same: ‘It would certainly be great to play with you, but for me, it’s still not possible right now.’

Then some more time passed. In the last two weeks, he messaged me again. This time, I paused and thought about it, and reconsidered. I really wanted to return to the field and play, so I thought: why not? What’s the problem?

I’m going to a big club, it’s just in another city, so what’s the problem? If I don’t even give myself the chance to go back to work and play again, that wouldn’t be fair to myself. So, that’s when I made the decision. Of course, I also want to thank President Marcelo Teixeira, Alexandre Mattos, and Neymar for inviting me. I am very happy to be here and excited to accept this challenge.”

Indications have emerged to the effect that Liverpool is looking to secure a replacement for Dutchman Jeremie Frimpong in the near future, due to the performance the player has delivered with the English team so far.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool attempted to add a player to their squad to bolster the right-back position before the start of the current 2026–27 season.

According to the source, Liverpool harbored reservations about Jeremie Frimpong, prompting the club to seek reinforcements at the back. Marco Palestra emerged as a potential target, yet he wound up joining Chelsea instead.

Marco Palestra was among the options assessed before joining Chelsea, after Frimpong struggled across his two intended roles.

The Reds also explored a loan move for Malo Gusto, but Chelsea insisted on a permanent sale rather than a temporary arrangement.

So far this season, the 25-year-old Frimpong has featured in three games across all competitions, yet he has failed to contribute either a goal or an assist.