Manchester United 5-1 Ipswich: VAR decision over Harry Maguire handball sparks controversy

Manchester United’s 5-1 victory over Ipswich Town was overshadowed by a major refereeing controversy after VAR upheld a goal in which Harry Maguire appeared to use his hands to control the ball.

United recovered in emphatic fashion at Old Trafford on Sunday, coming from behind to record their first win of the Premier League season under manager Michael Carrick. However, the decision to allow their second goal prompted widespread criticism from supporters and renewed debate over the handball laws.

The incident came in the 56th minute, when Maguire moved forward after United regained possession. The centre-back then played a cross into the Ipswich penalty area, where the ball was deflected into the net by Jacob Greaves for an own goal.

Replays appeared to show Maguire using his hands to bring the ball under control before continuing the attack. The Sun reported that the goal was allowed because Maguire was not the player officially credited with scoring.

“If Maguire had benefited directly from the handball and scored himself, a free-kick would have been awarded and the goal would have been disallowed,” the newspaper said.

“Many will argue, quite rightly, that Maguire certainly benefited from the handball.”

The Premier League Match Centre said the referee’s decision was reviewed and upheld by VAR because Maguire was not considered the immediate goalscorer and the handball had been accidental.

“The referee’s call of goal for Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maguire was not the immediate goalscorer after an accidental handball,” the Match Centre said.

VAR added: “It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.”

The explanation left many supporters confused, with social media quickly filling with strong criticism of the officials and the interpretation of the rules.

One user wrote: “There is no way Maguire’s goal can be considered an accidental handball when his hands helped him control the ball.”

Another posted: “This is madness. If Maguire scores directly, it is handball, but because it is an own goal, it is not considered handball. Who makes these rules? Isn’t handball handball?”

A third said: “We lost football when we lost common sense. I don’t care if the ball was deflected, that is handball by Maguire.”

The refereeing-focused X account VAR Archives also condemned the decision, describing it as a serious VAR error during the match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town.

“An outrageous VAR farce in Manchester United – Ipswich. Maguire recovers the ball by using both arms moments before the move ends in a goal,” it posted.

The account continued: “It is a very clear handball. We are looking at the perfect example of what is known as deliberate handball.”

The controversy came during a match in which Manchester United otherwise delivered an ideal response after falling behind. Their 5-1 success against Ipswich Town secured their first victory of the campaign and marked the beginning of Carrick’s time in charge with a convincing result, although the disputed goal remains the main talking point.