Manchester United put in an incredibly poor performance on Sunday as they pinched a draw against Alvaro Arbeloa’s winless Fulham.
The home side weren’t much better, but managed to grab a goal in the second half and could have held on for a one-nil victory.
However, some at Manchester United may feel aggrieved that they were not handed a penalty in the 86th-minute, moments before Matheus Cunha’s equalising goal.
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez poked the ball in the air towards Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, as the bulky centre-half put his hands up to defend his face.
Various Red Devils players protested, but VAR checked the decision, and the Premier League’s Match Centre account on X has since released a statement.
“The referee’s call of no penalty to Manchester United for a potential handball offence by Bassey was checked and confirmed by VAR,” the account confirmed.
A monologue of the communications between the officials then followed, reading, “AR1: ‘It’s close to his body – it has hit but his arm is close to his body’.
“REF: ‘On-field decision is play on’.
“VAR: ‘Arms close to his body. As seen – confirming the on-field decision to play on, exactly as described on-field’.”
It’s a decision that has sparked controversy, but one, that unlike last week’s against Manchester City, was fair enough.
Bassey’s hands were in a natural position and the defender did not make his body bigger. The ball was set to hit him square on the face from less than a metre away – a simple human reflex.
Manchester United’s misfortune this time around can’t be blamed on anybody else. The Red Devils were poor and extremely passive on the day.
The international break has come at a good time for them to now regroup and prepare for a big run of fixtures until Christmas.
#FULMUN – 86’
The referee’s call of no penalty to Manchester United for a potential handball offence by Bassey was checked and confirmed by VAR.
AR1: “It’s close to his body – it has hit but his arm is close to his body”.
REF: “On-field decision is play on”.
VAR: “Arms close…
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) September 20, 2026
Erling Haaland celebrates offside goal against Manchester United
Erling Haaland celebrates offside goal against Manchester United