Manchester United have been on the receiving end of some controversial VAR decisions in the early weeks of the Premier League season.
Lisandro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez
Manchester United experienced a controversial VAR decision against Manchester City (Image: Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester United have been at the centre of significant VAR controversies during the opening weeks of the new Premier League campaign. Michael Carrick's side have endured a difficult start to the season, collecting just four points from their opening four fixtures following Sunday's defeat in the Manchester derby. That game was dominated by crucial refereeing decisions at Old Trafford.
Phil Foden received his marching orders after lashing out at Bruno Fernandes, although replays seemed to suggest the United captain had kicked Foden initially. Fernandes avoided additional sanctions, but United legend Roy Keane felt the midfielder was lucky, telling Sky Sports: "Bruno goes in, tackles him, clearly fouls him and gives him a little boot on the floor. Foden gets up, does react, and he's now sent off. I'm guessing it's classed as violent conduct, but to me Bruno's the one who's violent here. I have to call it out."
The most contentious moment of the Manchester derby surrounded the game's only goal, with Pro Ref acknowledging an "error of judgement" concerning Erling Haaland's winner.
The striker finished off a deflected cross moments after his team-mate Enzo Fernandez had tried to score with a diving header.
United defender Lisandro Martinez was positioned between the two City players, but officials ruled that Fernandez had not interfered with play after failing to make contact with the ball.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside, before VAR official Matt Donohue instructed referee Michael Oliver to award it, with Haaland deemed onside due to Patrick Dorgu's position.
A Pro Ref spokesperson said: "The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.
"In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball, which makes any offside offence subjective.
"However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
"Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place."
Harry Maguire celebrates for Manchester United
Harry Maguire celebrated what proved to be an own goal for Manchester United against Ipswich Town
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Earlier in the campaign, United themselves benefited from a contentious incident during their victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
The Red Devils ran out 5-2 winners at Old Trafford, yet the club's second goal sparked debate after the ball struck Harry Maguire's arm during the build-up.
Had the handball been given against the goalscorer, Maguire's effort would have been disallowed. Instead, as his shot was heading off target and was deflected in by Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves, the goal was permitted to stand, handing United a 2-1 advantage.
Jarred Gillett was on VAR duty for the match and advised referee Craig Pawson: "It's an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable. So, we recommend you award the goal."
The subsequent week, United were refused a penalty for a tackle on Matheus Cunha during their stalemate with Everton.
An impressive surge from Marcus Rashford helped deliver the ball to Cunha in the area, who tumbled following James Tarkowski's last-gasp challenge, but Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie supported referee John Brooks' decision not to give a spot-kick.
"Tarkowski gets enough on the ball, and he does, just," Hendrie said. "The penalty has been checked and it's cleared. It's a brilliant tackle.
"This angle shows more, he just gets complete purchase on the ball. Is Cunha looking for it? Tell you what, it is a risky one but it's well worth it. It's outstanding defending from Tarkowski."
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