This behaviour is by design, as a new search engine is being built for php.net. It is temporary.
I use php.net website all the time.
Lately I have experienced a problem when searching a specific function in
the manual, it always takes me to a google page instead of to the manual
page, as it used to do before. This is using the search box and arrow in the
upper part of the screen.
I always consult the manual online to get the most updated version of it,
and now it has become impossible. If I want to access the manual in English
following the "manual" link in the homepage, it takes me to another page
where I choose English language and then it also takes me to a google page!
This is not by design of course. You say you choose English and get a Google page. It would be nice to know from what country you use the PHP site. Some mirror site is probably bogus, where you get redirected to. It would be good if you can specify what mirror site you experience this behaviour on.
Thanks for your report,
Goba