Ex refs chief raises ‘doubt’ over controversial Igor Thiago goal vs Man United
Keith Hackett voiced his concerns over the procedure that was undertaken by VAR in allowing Igor Thiago’s first goal in a 3-1 against Man United.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the current system that is used in the Premier League has a “major shortfall”.
The Red Devils were looking to win back-to-back league games for the first time since beating Brighton on the final day of the 2023-24 season, and then following that up with a win against Fulham to open their 2024-25 campaign.
Man United looked strong in their win over Chelsea last Saturday (20 September), and Ruben Amorim‘s side looked dangerous in the opening stages of their match against Brentford at the GTech at 12.30 pm, on the 27 September.
However, one long ball was all it took to carve open the Red Devils, although the ensuing VAR check raised some concerns for Hackett.
Keith Hackett questions whether semi-auto offsides are even in use
A deep pass from Brentford’s summer signing Jordan Henderson played in Igor Thiago, who slammed home from a tight angle to give the Bees a 1-0 lead.
However, whilst the VAR check was in progress, there were no graphics to suggest that the semi-automated system was being used.
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett raised his concerns, given how tight the call was on whether Harry Maguire was playing the Brazilian onside or not.
He said: “It does leave some doubt that the semi-automated offside system [SAOS] is in operation.
“Once again, I would emphasise that the SAOS used by the PGMOL operates without the chip in the ball technology, which is a major shortfall.
“I am happy that this goal was allowed to stand.
“My comments on what appears to be a lack of semi-automated offside system data to justify the call places doubt and integrity into the decision-making process.”
Man United collapse against Brentford’s simple attacking approach
In their last four games against the Bees, the Red Devils have won just once. Matt Le Tissier told Football Insider exclusively that he expected Brentford to struggle under Keith Andrews prior to the start of the season.
But despite having only taken over this summer, the West London side looked much more cohesive than United; put simply, they understood what Andrews wanted to do.
The rookie manager set his side up to squeeze the middle of the pitch and looked to exploit the Red Devils’ high defensive line with long, searching passes.
That is exactly what undid United for the opener. Until Amorim can figure out how to adapt his tactics for the opposition he faces, that elusive search for a first back-to-back Premier League win will continue to escape his grasp.