Ex-Uefa official ‘amazed’ by VAR blunder as controversial Harry Maguire footage emerges from Man United
Man United should have had their goal in the 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion ruled out for offside, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Uefa and Premier League referee claimed Harry Maguire was in an offside position before the ball was finally bundled over by Alexis Mac Allister.
After the ball rolled off the back of Diego Dalot from a corner, Maguire tried to prod home from two yards out forcing Robert Sanchez to parry the ball into the path of Mac Allister.
The assistant referee did not raise their flag and a VAR check did not feel the need to overturn the on-field decision.
A possible handball by Dalot was also reviewed in a lengthy VAR check by John Brooks but the game was allowed to restart.
“With the Man United goal, Maguire was in an offside position,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“The PGMOL say he didn’t interfere with the opponent, but he did. He made a deliberate play for the ball so this goal should have been ruled out because Maguire made a deliberate play for the ball.
“Where’s the assistant referee but where’s VAR? Maguire has made a deliberate play for the ball.
“The goalkeeper’s off his line, that’s offside.
“He’s come from an offside position and made a deliberate play for the ball, that’s the point where he’s offside because he’s involved in the play.
“I’m surprised that one wasn’t ruled out. I’m amazed they allowed the Maguire one.
“If you’re going to come out with a statement, you’ve got to be accurate in law.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Man United have banked a “seven-figure” windfall amid news from California.