Manchester United have already been involved in several major VAR incidents in the Premier League this season
Manchester United have experienced huge VAR calls in the early weeks of the new Premier League campaign. It has been a disappointing start to the season for Michael Carrick’s side, who have picked up four points from their first four games after losing the Manchester derby on Sunday.
The recent 1-0 defeat by Manchester City centred around key refereeing decisions at Old Trafford. Phil Foden was sent off for City after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, though replays appeared to show the United captain kicking Foden first. Fernandes escaped further punishment, but United legend Roy Keane believed the midfielder was fortunate.
“Bruno goes in, tackles him, clearly fouls him and gives him a little boot on the floor,” he told Sky Sports. “Foden gets up, does react, and he’s now sent off. I’m guessing it’s classed as violent conduct, but to me Bruno’s the one who’s violent here. I have to call it out.”
The biggest controversy of the Manchester derby stemmed from the game’s only goal, with Pro Ref admitting to an “error of judgement” regarding Erling Haaland’s winner. The striker converted a deflected cross shortly after his teammate Enzo Fernandez had attempted to score a diving header.
United defender Lisandro Martinez was positioned between the two City players, but officials deemed that Fernandez had not interfered with play after failing to make contact with the ball. It was initially ruled offside, but VAR official Matt Donohue instructed referee Michael Oliver to award the goal, with Haaland played onside by Patrick Dorgu.
A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position. In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball, which makes any offside offence subjective; however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”
Earlier in the season, United benefited from a controversial incident in their win over newly-promoted Ipswich Town. The Reds triumphed 5-2 at Old Trafford, but the club’s second goal proved contentious as the ball struck Harry Maguire’s arm in the build-up.
A handball offence by the goal scorer would have seen Maguire’s effort chalked off. However, as his shot was heading off target and was deflected in by Ipswich’s Jacob Greaves, the goal was allowed to stand and helped United reclaim a 2-1 lead.
Jarred Gillett was on VAR duty for the game and informed referee Craig Pawson: “It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable. So, we recommend you award the goal.”
The following week, United were denied a penalty for a challenge on Matheus Cunha in their draw with Everton. An impressive run from Marcus Rashford helped work the ball to Cunha in the box, who went down from James Tarkowski’s last-gasp challenge, but Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie agreed with referee John Brooks’ decision not to award a spot kick.
“Tarkowski gets enough on the ball, and he does…just,” Hendrie said. “The penalty has been checked, and it’s cleared. It’s a brilliant tackle.
“This angle shows more, he just gets complete purchase on the ball. Is Cunha looking for it? Tell you what, it is a risky one but it’s well worth it. It’s outstanding defending from Tarkowski.”
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