VAR decision allows Cunha goal as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest

Manchester United’s home game against Nottingham Forest was decided, at least in part, by a contentious VAR moment after Matheus Cunha’s goal was allowed to stand despite a recommendation to disallow it for handball. The incident occurred at Old Trafford as the match swung back in United’s favor, and referee Michael Salisbury ultimately overruled the advice after reviewing footage at the pitchside monitor, ruling the handball offence as accidental.

According to the Premier League Match Centre, Salisbury was instructed to consult the pitchside VAR monitor after Bryan Mbeumo appeared to control the ball with his arm and body immediately before Cunha fired it into the bottom corner to put United 2-1 up. After VAR recommended the goal be disallowed, Salisbury decided that the decision on the pitch should remain, explaining to the crowd: After review, the decision of goal stands because the handball offence is accidental, therefore the final decision is goal.

The ruling sparked immediate disbelief among match personnel and commentators. Gary Neville, speaking during the broadcast, said: I think that is an absolute shocker in every single way. He added that it was a clear handball and...