Manchester United endured a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Brighton, compounded by the controversial disallowance of what seemed to be a legitimate second goal. The match was filled with drama, especially as United believed they had taken a 2-1 lead in the 70th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review.
The controversy began when Alejandro Garnacho, who had been brought off the bench for the second time in a week, tapped in a cross from Bruno Fernandes at the back post. The United players and fans celebrated, thinking they had secured a crucial goal to put them ahead. However, their joy was short-lived as confusion arose on the pitch, and the goal came under scrutiny.
The issue centered around whether Joshua Zirkzee, who had also come on as a substitute, had touched the ball before it crossed the line. Slow-motion replays showed that Zirkzee’s knee was just over the line by the narrowest of margins, and he appeared to be marginally ahead of Garnacho when the ball was played. This led the VAR officials to examine the incident closely, and after a lengthy review, it was determined that Zirkzee was offside. As a result, the goal was disallowed, causing frustration and disbelief among the United players and their supporters.
The Premier League later clarified the decision via their Match Centre Twitter account. They explained that while the goal was initially awarded on the field, it was reviewed for a potential offside against Zirkzee. The VAR check confirmed that Zirkzee was indeed offside, and therefore the goal could not stand. Play resumed with a free-kick for Brighton, much to the dismay of United.
Earlier in the match, United had already found themselves trailing when former United striker Danny Welbeck opened the scoring for Brighton in the first half. Welbeck’s goal marked his 100th career strike, giving Brighton the lead. United, however, managed to level the score through Amad Diallo, who was making his first Premier League start of the season. Diallo’s goal brought hope to United, but the disallowed goal later in the match dashed those hopes.
The disappointment of having the goal ruled out seemed to affect United’s momentum, and Brighton capitalized on their disarray. Joao Pedro, left unmarked in the penalty area, headed in a cross, placing the ball into the bottom left corner past United goalkeeper Andre Onana. With little time left in the match, United could not find a way back, and the game ended in a 2-1 defeat.
This loss was particularly bitter for United, marking their first Premier League defeat of the season. The controversy surrounding the disallowed goal only added to the frustration, leaving the team and their fans with a sense of injustice. As they left the Amex Stadium, United faced the difficult task of regrouping and finding a way to bounce back in their next fixture.
