Controversial VAR decision: Manchester United goal disallowed against Fulham

After winning just five of their first ten Premier League games, Manchester United has had a difficult start to the season; in contrast, Fulham has only managed three victories.

Chirag

November 4, 2023

Manchester United Goal Disallowed After Var Check — Image via X @beIN SPORTS_EN

In the seventh minute of the match between Manchester United and Fulham, a goal scored by Scott McTominay was disallowed due to Harry Maguire’s offside position, which was deemed to interfere with the play.

McTominay believed he had opened the scoring by tapping the ball into the net, but the VAR review revealed that Maguire was offside when Christian Eriksen delivered a free kick into the box.

Maguire’s presence prevented Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz from reaching Alejandro Garnacho, who was the intended recipient of Eriksen’s delivery.

Garnacho subsequently delivered the ball across the goal, allowing McTominay to seemingly score an easy goal. However, the goal was subjected to an extended review, with referee

John Brooks consulting the pitch-side monitor to assess Maguire’s impact on the play. Ultimately, Brooks accepted the VAR official’s decision to disallow the goal, much to Fulham’s relief.

The decision triggered mixed reactions among the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary team. Leon Osman, an Everton legend, raised questions about whether Maguire’s interference was significant, highlighting the subjective nature of the call.

Social media saw fans labelling the decision as “ridiculous” and a “joke,” while others argued that it wasn’t a “clear and obvious” incident. On the other hand, some supporters praised Brooks for ultimately making the correct call, emphasizing Maguire’s involvement.

Jermaine Jenas, part of the TNT Sports commentary team, provided his perspective, noting that although the initial impression was that the goal was onside, Maguire’s attempt to make contact with the ball rendered him offside.

Joe Cole, also part of the TNT Sports punditry team, acknowledged the complexity of the situation, as Maguire was indeed offside and made an attempt to play the ball.

He pointed out the pressure on VAR in such situations and commended the ultimate accuracy of the decision, despite the time taken.

Rio Ferdinand expressed his opinion that the on-field decision was a way for VAR to pass the responsibility, stressing the importance of making a prompt decision.

He acknowledged that, in the end, the decision was correct, as Harry Maguire did influence the defender’s position and decision.

The VAR ruling proved to be a significant relief for Fulham, with former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith stating his disappointment with the outcome.

He described the free kick as straightforward, leading to a goal-scoring opportunity for United, with McTominay being in good form recently.

No Goal!

Manchester United thought they took lead! Scott Mctominey is the quickest to react from close range. After a lengthy VAR check, the goal is chalked off for offside!#beINPL #FULMUN pic.twitter.com/gfWH44nWqq

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) November 4, 2023