FULL-TIME 1-2: Manchester United’s controversial disallowed goal from Casemiro has now been reinstated after PGMOL released an official statement this morning, following reported FIFA sanctions against the match officials involved.
The stunning U-turn has once again thrust the spotlight onto the VAR decision that overshadowed United’s Premier League clash away at West Ham.
In the second half at the London Stadium, United believed they had drawn level when Casemiro rose to meet a pinpoint delivery from Kobbie Mainoo. The Brazilian powered home a header that seemed to cancel out Tomas Soucek’s opener, which had put the Hammers in front just 13 minutes after the restart.
Celebrations were cut short, however, when the video assistant referee stepped in. After a review, the goal was ruled out for offside. Broadcast replays suggested Casemiro was only marginally beyond the last defender as the ball was played, prompting VAR to recommend that the on-field decision be overturned. The Premier League Match Centre later posted on X that VAR had checked the goal and confirmed Casemiro was in an offside position, leading to it being disallowed.
The call sparked frustration among the visitors, particularly as it came during a strong spell of pressure from Michael Carrick’s side. United had travelled to East London brimming with confidence, having secured four straight league wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham.
West Ham, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, proved difficult opponents in front of their home crowd. The opening 45 minutes produced few clear opportunities, with both teams struggling to impose themselves in the final third.
The game sprang to life after the interval when Soucek reacted sharply to a moment of hesitation in United’s defense, slipping between Mainoo and Casemiro to fire the hosts into the lead.
United pushed forward in search of a response but found it hard to penetrate West Ham’s disciplined back line. Luke Shaw nearly made the breakthrough from a Bruno Fernandes corner, only for his effort to be dramatically cleared off the line.
Just when it seemed United would leave empty-handed, they found a lifeline deep into stoppage time. Substitute Benjamin Šeško produced an instinctive flicked finish that beat the defense and rescued a crucial point. The late strike preserved United’s push for a top-four finish and restored optimism among players and supporters alike.
