Sesko scored for Manchester United against Liverpool and his goal was allowed to stand after a VAR review
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Benjamin Sesko's goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check for handball
Benjamin Sesko's goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check for handball (PA)
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Benjamin Sesko recorded his 10th goal of the Premier League season as he found the back of the net in the first half of Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The hosts had taken the lead inside the first six minutes with Matheus Cunha slotting home from the edge of the box following a corner before Sesko doubled the lead eight minutes later.
United, who had started the match brilliantly, found Bruno Fernandes on the right side of the penalty area and he flicked the ball into the six-yard box towards Sesko. Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman, lunged for the ball and slapped it into the path of the striker.
The ball struck Sesko on the legs, bounced up to his chest and bobbled across the line to double United’s lead to 2-0.
However, an immediate VAR check took place to determine whether Sesko had handled the ball in the build-up and several replays of the goal were shown from different angles. In some there appeared to be no contact with Sesko’s left hand as the ball rode up to his chest but it others there seemed to be some slight contact with his fingers.
The check took about three minutes before the home supporters celebrated once again as the VAR, Stuart Attwell, determined that the goal should stand.
Explaining the reasoning behind the decision on X, formerly Twitter, the Premier League’s Match Centre 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.”
Manchester United led 2-0 at the half-time break before Dominik Szoboszlai pulled a goal back for Liverpool just after the restart and Cody Gakpo equalised in the 56th minute.
Both teams are fighting to confirm their spots in the top four and secure Champions League football for the 2026/27 season.