Manchester United’s second goal against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon survived a VAR check after Benjamin Sesco’s possible handball was examined by a remote official at Stockley Park.
The Slovenian international eventually bundled the ball home after Bruno Fernandes headed a cross back into goal, but an unlucky Freddie Woodman could only manage to deflect the ball into Sesco’s thigh. However, television replays appeared to show that the ball may have grazed Sesco’s fingers before hitting the back of the net.
The goal was eventually scored and the Premier League Match Center X account revealed that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that Sesco had handled the ball.
“The referee’s goal declaration was confirmed by VAR and it was deemed that there was no conclusive evidence that Sesco had handled the ball before scoring,” X’s post said.
Gary Neville, who provided commentary for Sky Sports, agreed there was no conclusive evidence to disallow the goal. “It’s not conclusive. It’s certainly not enough to nullify the goal. I might have flicked it a little bit with that finger,” he said.
Sesco’s 14th-minute strike was well worth it after their explosive opener at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha had already put United ahead after just six minutes, volleying onto the grass and past Woodman, who was unlucky to receive a slight deflection from Alexis Mac Allister.
A deft counter-attack led to Sesco’s goal, with Fernandes initially looking to set up a striker inside the penalty area, but Liverpool were left with a mountain to climb.
