{"id":33774,"date":"2026-05-17T15:55:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T15:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/17\/premier-leagues-gary-neville-slams-man-uniteds-var-controversy-as-absolute-shocker\/"},"modified":"2026-05-17T15:55:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T15:55:28","slug":"premier-leagues-gary-neville-slams-man-uniteds-var-controversy-as-absolute-shocker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/17\/premier-leagues-gary-neville-slams-man-uniteds-var-controversy-as-absolute-shocker\/","title":{"rendered":"Premier League’s Gary Neville slams Man United’s VAR controversy as ‘absolute shocker’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Manchester United and their fans had to wait several minutes for a VAR check to check for handball after Matheus Cunha scored his second goal against Nottingham Forest.<\/h2>\n
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May 17, 2026, 14:02<\/span>Updated May 17, 2026 14:32<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Manchester United’s second goal against Nottingham Forest survived a VAR review (Image: Molly Darlington\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
Manchester United’s controversial second goal against Nottingham Forest survived a VAR review after referee Michael Salisbury stuck to his original decision despite being advised to go to the pitchside monitor.<\/p>\n
Just two minutes after Nottingham Forest had leveled the score at 1-1 with Morato’s goal, Matheus Cunha scored to put United back in the lead. But the Brazilian’s celebrations were muted after the ball appeared to hit Brian Mbeumo’s arm as he prepared to attack.<\/p>\n
A VAR check scrutinized the details and Salisbury was advised to review his decision. However, after reviewing the incident, the referee declared that the goal had been scored, much to the delight of the majority at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n
The Premier League Match Center X account posted the following regarding the decision: “Following a VAR review, the referee stood by his original decision to award the goal to Manchester United.<\/p>\n
read more: Michael Carrick gives honest verdict on Elliot Anderson after Manchester United learn transfer twist<\/span><\/span>read more: Manchester United’s Michael Carrick receives \u00a338m transfer fee following immediate transfer enhancement<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
“Referee’s announcement: “As the handball foul was accidental, after review, the decision to score a goal stands. Therefore, the final decision is a goal.”<\/p>\n
Gary Neville was completely stunned by Salisbury’s decision. Commenting on Sky Sports, he said:<\/p>\n
“The VAR result was very clear. They said it was disallowed, he handballed and put the ball back in play. To be honest, I can’t believe what I just saw.”<\/p>\n
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Michael Salisbury decided to stick with his original decision despite heading to the pitchside monitor (Image: Darren Staples\/AFP)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
“VAR looked at it for three minutes and then the referee looked at it for another minute. They’re overthinking it. That’s where they get really confused.”<\/p>\n
Cunha’s goal quickly restored Manchester United’s lead, which had been given to them by Luke Shaw just five minutes later.<\/p>\n
Mbeumo had two great chances to score early in the afternoon to make it 3-1. Elliott Anderson then teed up Morgan Gibbs-White for his second assist of the day for a grandstand finale.<\/p>\n
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