Manchester United's second goal in their 5-2 victory over Ipswich was confirmed by VAR despite Harry Maguire handling the ball in the build-up, with the decision based on the accidental nature of the handball and the goal being credited as an own goal.
Controversial goal in the 56th minute
The contentious incident arrived in the 56th minute as Maguire drilled a low shot through a crowd of bodies to cue rapturous scenes at Old Trafford. Replays showed Maguire handle the ball before taking his strike, which took a hefty deflection off Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves to end up in the corner of Kjell Scherpen's goal.
After a lengthy VAR check, Jarred Gillett confirmed to referee Craig Pawson that the goal should stand – a decision which has left Brighton supporters enraged across social media. Gillett stated: 'It's an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.'
Premier League Match Centre explanation
A tweet from the Premier League Match Centre added: 'The referee's call of goal for Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maguire was not the immediate goalscorer after an accidental handball.'
The match had seen frustration for the Red Devils after a dismal 2-0 defeat to Hull in their opener, with Leif Davis striking on the half-hour mark to silence Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes dragged United back with a sublime equaliser shortly before the break.
United cruise to victory
After their early scare, United would go on to win the contest with some ease as club captain Fernandes converted from the penalty spot before netting again to complete a brilliant hat-trick in the 68th minute. The Portuguese then turned provider with an exquisite assist for Bryan Mbeumo to further increase the deficit and put the game to bed with eight minutes remaining of normal time.
Chuba Akpom scored a stoppage-time consolation to give Ipswich's travelling support something to cheer about at the death on a rain-drenched evening in Manchester.
