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Man United handed Fulham penalty verdict as players slammed for'the way they celebrated'

Manchester United's penalty appeal was overturned by VAR against Fulham at Old Trafford, but fortunately for the Red Devils, they still came away 3-2 winners

Matheus Cunha and Jorge Cuenca

Matheus Cunha was fouled by Jorge Cuenca of Fulham but outside the box

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Manchester United have been given a fresh verdict from Troy Deeney following their controversial penalty decision that was overturned by VAR during Sunday's dramatic win over Fulham. The Red Devils capitalised on the resulting free-kick to break the deadlock at Old Trafford.

The controversy erupted when Fulham defender Jorge Cuenca went to ground and was initially penalised, although replays swiftly demonstrated that Cuenca had clearly won the ball before making any contact with the United player.

The Spanish defender and multiple team-mates instantly protested, triggering a swift intervention from VAR. Match officials informed the referee that no foul had occurred inside the penalty area.

Nevertheless, they spotted a shirt pull by Cuenca, with the infringement beginning outside the box, meaning the appropriate decision was a free-kick instead of a spot-kick.

The referee announced the outcome to the stadium: "After review, the Fulham 15 commits a holding offence outside the penalty area.

"The final decision is a free kick to Manchester United."

Bruno Fernandes delivered the subsequent free-kick into the danger zone, where Casemiro rose highest to head home and give Manchester United an ideal early advantage.

VAR check

A VAR check of incident between Jorge Cuenca and Matheus Cunha during Man United's Premier League match with Fulham

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Fulham manager Marco Silva received a yellow card for his angry protests as his side found themselves behind.

Speaking on Match of the Day, former Watford striker Deeney said: "Let's talk about really good play here from Cunha.

"Cuenca will say he's done well, but again as an attacking player when you are pulling me back it slows me [Cunha] down here, to allow you to get back.

"If he doesn't pull, Cunha is away from him. So I think it ultimately becomes the right decision, the biggest issue I have with all of this is the way that Fulham celebrated this, high-fiving and not doing their job - the danger is there.

"They give a good decision here because it is outside the box."

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