RabiuPremier League issue explanation as Matheus Cunha goal for Man United controversially stands
Manchester United were awarded a controversial VAR goal against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford after Bryan Mbeumo appeared to handle the ball, with Gary Neville branding the decision ‘ridiculous’
The Premier League Match Centre has issued an explanation after Manchester United had a goal controversially awarded against Nottingham Forest. Referee Michael Salisbury was instructed to consult the pitch-side VAR monitor after Bryan Mbeumo controlled the ball between his arm and his body moments before Matheus Cunha slotted into the bottom corner to put United 2-1 ahead.
Despite VAR recommending the goal be disallowed, Salisbury overruled his fellow officials, announcing to the Old Trafford crowd that the goal would stand. It was ultimately deemed that the handball was accidental. The Premier League Match Centre stated on X (formerly Twitter): “#MUNNFO – 55′ After VAR review, the referee stuck with the original decision to award a goal to Manchester United. Referee announcement: ‘After review, the decision of goal stands because the handball offence is accidental, therefore the final decision is goal.’
“Even United icon Gary Neville, commentating for Sky Sports, was left bewildered by the ruling. He said: “There is a clear handball… I would be surprised if this stands. The Forest players were going mad and l would be furious if that stood.
“Honestly, l just don’t think that’s a goal. It is a clear handball. They have to intervene here. That is a shocker in every way! Honestly, that is ridiculous. The VAR has been clear: the player has handballed it.”
He looked it for three minutes and the referee has looked at it for another minute. I can’t believe what I have just seen. That was handball. I don’t know what to say.
“The former England right-back added: “We have to admire referees who stand by their decisions but that was not the time to do it.”
There will be nobody watching that games who plays football or who watches football who will think that goal should have been awarded. It feels obvious to disallow. He almost wedged the ball under his arm.”
Luke Shaw had fired United into a 1-0 lead in their final home fixture of the Premier League campaign after just five minutes. However, Morato restored parity for Forest on 52 minutes, before Cunha’s strike was controversially given two minutes later.
United established a 3-1 advantage with 15 minutes left on the clock when Mbeumo converted captain Bruno Fernandes’ delivery. The Portugal playmaker consequently reached a joint-record 20 Premier League assists this season, equalling Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.
Morgan Gibbs-White revived the visitors’ hopes just three minutes afterwards, though, when he produced an exquisite finish from Elliot Anderson’s cross to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
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