This time, it was a goal by Alejandro Garnacho that was disallowed in the 70th minute, adding to the mounting frustration of both the players and the Old Trafford faithful.
The incident has reignited conversations about the consistency and reliability of VAR, particularly when it comes to key moments in high-stakes matches.
Garnacho’s disallowed goal came at a critical juncture in the match, as Manchester United was pushing hard to turn the tide after trailing to Brighton.
The young Argentine winger, who has been a bright spark for United this season, found the back of the net after a well-executed team move. However, celebrations were cut short as the referee signaled for a VAR check.
The decision hinged on a moment of contact between Garnacho and Brighton’s defender Joshua Zirkzee in the build-up to the goal, with VAR ultimately determining that Garnacho had made an illegal contact that influenced the play, leading to the goal being ruled out.
The decision sparked immediate outrage among Manchester United players and fans alike. The disallowed goal, which would have been a crucial equalizer, has been viewed by many as an overly harsh call.
Replays showed what appeared to be minimal contact between Garnacho and Zirkzee, leading to widespread debate over whether the decision was justified.
Fans inside Old Trafford voiced their displeasure, with boos ringing out as the decision was announced. On social media, the reaction was swift and pointed, with many accusing VAR of being overly involved in the match and unfairly penalizing United.
This was not the first time in the match that VAR had been involved in a controversial decision.
Earlier in the game, a goal by Marcus Rashford was also ruled out for offside, a decision that had already left a sour taste in the mouths of United supporters.
The cumulative effect of these rulings has only heightened the sense of injustice among the Manchester United camp.
Post-match, the disallowed goals were the primary topic of conversation. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, while careful not to criticize the officials too harshly, expressed his disappointment with the decisions.
“It’s always frustrating when goals are disallowed, especially when the margins are so fine,” Ten Hag said in his post-match interview.
“We felt that we had done enough to score, but the decision was made, and we have to accept it, even if we don’t agree with it. It’s part of the game now, but it’s certainly difficult to take in moments like these.”
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, on the other hand, acknowledged the role that VAR had played in the match but focused on his team’s performance.
“We have to respect the decisions that are made, whether they go for us or against us,” he said. “Today, we were fortunate with the calls, but our focus is always on how we play and how we can improve.”
As the debate over VAR continues to rage on, matches like this one serve as stark reminders of the technology’s influence on the modern game.
While the intention behind VAR is to ensure fairness and accuracy, it is clear that its application remains contentious.
For Manchester United and their fans, this match will be remembered more for the decisions that went against them than for the football itself, leaving a bitter aftertaste despite the team’s efforts on the pitch.
