The PGMO has delivered its verdict on Matheus Cunha’s controversial goal during Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
Controversy
United secured third place as they got the better of Forest in a rollercoaster game at Old Trafford.
Luke Shaw opened the scoring inside five minutes with a well-taken finish. Morato drew Forest level just before the break, heading home a sublime delivery from Elliot Anderson.
But United responded almost immediately through Cunha, who expertly tucked the ball into the bottom corner after Bryan Mbeumo’s blocked shot fell kindly into his path. It appeared as if the ball had struck Mbeumo on the arm in the build-up to the goal.
Referee Michael Salisbury decided to overrule VAR, having been sent to the pitch-side monitor to review the incident.
United doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when Mbeumo turned in a cross from Bruno Fernandes. The assist marked Fernandes’ 20th this season, which places him on par with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry for the all-time Premier League record.
Morgan Gibbs-White grabbed a second for Forest but United were well worth the three points on home grounds.
The Premier League, via their Match Centre account on X, explained the decision to award the goal by saying the handball was accidental.
But PGMO have reportedly told both Forest and United that the goal should have been ruled out.
PGMO’s admission
Sky Sports reveal, “PGMO chief refereeing officer Howard Webb spoke to Forest and Man Utd on Monday to acknowledge the misjudgement.”
“The PGMO regularly engages with clubs to maintain positive dialogue around refereeing matters. English football tends to operate a more lenient approach to the handball rule after feedback from clubs, players, managers and fans.”
“However, the decision expected was to deem Mbeumo’s contact as handball, hence the acknowledgement by the PGMO.”
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick and his players are next in action on Sunday when they go away to Brighton & Hove Albion in their final game of the 2025/26 season.
Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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