Mike Dean Slams Michael Salisbury and VAR Over Controversial Cunha Goal in Man United vs Nottingham Forest<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a Premier League clash at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026, Manchester United edged Nottingham Forest in a 3-2 thriller, but the match will be remembered for a highly contentious decision that handed the Red Devils a crucial second goal. Matheus Cunha found the net in the 55th minute, but replays appeared to show a clear handball by teammate Bryan Mbeumo in the build-up inside the box. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referee Michael Salisbury, after a lengthy VAR review, allowed the goal to stand, deeming Mbeumo’s arm contact “accidental.” Forest players protested furiously, with the decision sparking immediate outrage on social media and in the stands. Gary Neville, commentating for Sky Sports, expressed bemusement at the call, highlighting how the handball seemed deliberate as Mbeumo controlled a cross.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean did not hold back in his post-match analysis. Speaking on Sky Sports, Dean called out Salisbury and the VAR team for a “shambolic” error that undermined the integrity of the game. “That’s a clear handball in the box. It hits Mbeumo’s arm, changes the direction, and leads directly to the goal. How is that not given? Salisbury had the monitor and still got it wrong,” Dean said. He criticized the inconsistent application of handball rules, noting that similar incidents have been penalized this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The incident occurred after Luke Shaw’s early opener for United. Cunha’s goal made it 2-1, shifting momentum before Mbeumo later added a third for United in a frantic encounter. Forest battled back but fell short, leaving them in a relegation scrap while United pushed for Champions League qualification.Dean’s intervention adds fuel to ongoing debates about VAR’s effectiveness. The ex-ref has frequently highlighted issues with Salisbury’s decisions in recent months, including other high-profile calls. Fans and pundits alike questioned why a “clear and obvious error” wasn’t overturned, with many accusing officials of favoring big clubs.This controversy echoes past grievances, such as disputed corners and penalties involving these sides. As the season reaches its climax, pressure mounts on PGMOL to address refereeing standards. For Nottingham Forest, it felt like another harsh blow in a difficult campaign. United claimed the points, but the victory came with an asterisk that may linger long after the final whistle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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