Man United goal controversially ruled out by VAR for 'subjective offside', fans speechless

Manchester United saw a goal controversially ruled out by VAR in their encounter with Fulham.

United thought they had taken the lead in the first half after a free-kick was clipped to the far post for Alejandro Garnacho, who redirected the ball into the path of Scott McTominay to empathically finish from close range.

However after a lengthy VAR check the goal was disallowed, with Harry Maguire, who did not touch the ball, deemed to have interfered with play from an offside position.

Indeed, to come to the decision referee John Brooks went to the monitor and decided to disallow the goal for offside.

The ruling has led some quarters to question whether VAR should be intervening with 'subjective offsides'.

Indeed, certain fans and pundits on X, formally Twitter, are astounded by the call.

The Mail's Sami Mokbel said: "At Craven Cottage where I have decided I no longer understand the rules of football. Sure that Man Utd goal was correctly disallowed - but I've no idea why."

Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester Evening News added: "Manchester United have every right to be fuming at that if Maguire has been penalised.

"He wasn't getting to the ball and neither was his marker, so the 'interference' is tenuous. The robotization of football needs to end."

Fans too, have been upset by the decision.

One person said: "The only thing that is worse than Man Utd this season is VAR.

"Absolutely shocking decision."

Another wrote: "I don’t like when teams claim a conspiracy for decision against them but VAR calls and non-calls against Man Utd have been farcical."

A third said: "I swear they go looking for anything to rule out Man Utd goals. Subjective offside? Maguire didn't cause Fulham to leave Garnancho free at the back post.

"Honestly no one would have complained if that was given. This really isn't something VAR was brought in to correct."

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Scott Mctominay, Fulham, Fan Reactions

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.