Jamie Carragher has delivered his verdict on Benjamin Sesko's controversial VAR handball goal that helped Manchester United take a 2-0 lead over Liverpool
16:10, 03 May 2026Updated 16:23, 03 May 2026
Benjamin Sesko doubled Manchester United's lead against Liverpool
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Benjamin Sesko doubled Manchester United's lead against Liverpool(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher has given his assessment of Benjamin Sesko's goal for Manchester United against Liverpool on Sunday. The strike, which made it 2-0, was allowed to stand despite complaints of handball.
United are aware that they require just a point to secure next season's Champions League qualification. And the Red Devils made the ideal start in Sunday's clash against their Merseyside opponents after Matheus Cunha fired them in front with a strike from outside the area.
Michael Carrick's team then extended their advantage through Sesko as a messy passage of play saw the Slovenian prod the ball beyond Liverpool keeper Freddie Woodman.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 03, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha gave Manchester United the perfect start(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Speaking while on commentary duty for Sky Sports, he said: "It's one of them: when you see one angle you think it does [hit his hand], when you see another it doesn't look like it does."
The Premier League Match Centre account on X confirmed why the goal was allowed to stand.
They said: "The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring."
Former United striker Dion Dublin believes that VAR made the right decision by intervening. He said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I believe the referee got that right. I think the power from Woodman gives it the momentum to go over the white line. Ugly goal, who cares?
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"We know what Bruno is like, it is an unbelievable cross. Two great bits of play for Bruno. United are in dreamland!"
United led 2-0 at half-time thanks with Sesko's goal and will feel they could have scored more. Gary Neville said: "Man Utd have been the opposite of Liverpool. They've been purposeful with everything they've done.
"Everything has been front-foot. United have been fantastic in this first half. If you've got the killer instinct, you go and do Liverpool for three or four. There will be chances."