diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/cadence/macb_main.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/cadence/macb_main.c
index 01ed4d4296db..a5c4d4d66df3 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/cadence/macb_main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/cadence/macb_main.c
@@ -3708,7 +3708,7 @@ static int at91ether_open(struct net_device *dev)
 
 	ret = at91ether_start(dev);
 	if (ret)
-		return ret;
+		goto pm_exit;
 
 	/* Enable MAC interrupts */
 	macb_writel(lp, IER, MACB_BIT(RCOMP)	|
@@ -3725,6 +3725,10 @@ static int at91ether_open(struct net_device *dev)
 	netif_start_queue(dev);
 
 	return 0;
+
+pm_exit:
+	pm_runtime_put_sync(&lp->pdev->dev);
+	return ret;
 }
 
 /* Close the interface */