Harry Maguire played a big part in Manchester United’s second goal against Ipswich Town in the Premier League with controversy surrounding a VAR review.
The United defender handled the ball in the build-up before gathering the ball and striking at goal.
His effort was not going on target and instead deflected off Jacob Graves to hand the hosts the lead at Old Trafford, before Bruno Fernandes struck twice more to send the Red Devils clear at 4-1.
But United’s second sparked widespread debate, mainly due to the good fortune that Maguire didn’t convert the chance himself.
The VAR reviewed the incident, but due to the fact that Maguire’s benefit did not directly result in the goal, with his shot deflecting off Graves, the goal was allowed to stand.
Gary Neville admitted the rule would need to be looked at after discovering the reason for the goal standing.
The Premier League match centre responded to the controversial incident: “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.
VAR added: “It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.”
The rule’s definition reads that the “It is an offence if a player scores in the opponents’ goal:
“-Directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper
“-Immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental.”
But mitigating factors include:
“-Goal not immediate
“-Goal scored by a teammate
“-Ball not entering goal; however action of a defender
results in an ‘own goal’”
Some debate will surround the wording “accidental handball,” with the handball crucial to Maguire gaining possession.
After Fernandes completed his hat-trick, Bryan Mbeumo added a fifth to help United on their way to their first points of the 2026/27 season.
