Manchester United saw a controversial second goal against Nottingham Forest survive a VAR review after referee, Michael Salisbury, decided to stick with his original decision despite being advised to head over to the pitch-side monitor.
Matheus Cunha plundered a goal to fire United back into the lead just two minutes after Nottingham Forest had levelled the game at 1-1 through Morato. But the Brazilian’s celebrations were muted after the ball appeared to strike Bryan Mbeumo’s arm in the build-up to his strike.
A VAR check pored over the details with Salisbury advised to review the decision. But after watching the incident back, the referee declared the goal would stand – much to the delight of the majority of those inside Old Trafford.
Explaining the decision, the Premier League Match Centre X account posted: “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.’”
Salisbury’s decision left Gary Neville absolutely stunned. Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, he said: “I think that is an absolute shocker in every single way. It’s ridiculous.
“The VAR have been quite clear, they said it has been disallowed, he has handballed it and brought the ball back into play. I can’t believe what I have just seen to be honest.
Cunha’s goal quickly restored the lead that had previously been given to Manchester United by Luke Shaw, who struck after just five minutes.
Mbeumo made it 3-1 after spurning two golden chances to score earlier in the afternoon before Elliot Anderson grabbed his second assist of the day by teeing up Morgan Gibbs-White, who set up a grandstand finale.
