Manchester United fans were left frustrated after VAR’s late intervention led to a decisive penalty for West Ham in Sunday’s controversial Premier League matchup.
The decision overturned an initial non-call by referee David Coote on Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings, setting up Jarrod Bowen to score the match-winning penalty.
Despite a strong start and several missed chances, United fell behind when Crysencio Summerville scored for West Ham in the 78th minute. Erik ten Hag’s team responded with resilience, leveling the match through a Casemiro header just nine minutes from time. However, their comeback was short-lived as VAR deemed de Ligt’s challenge on Ings worthy of a second look. Michael Oliver advised Coote to review the tackle, resulting in a penalty that Bowen converted.
The Premier League’s Match Centre explained the decision on X, stating, “The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by de Ligt on Ings. The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.”
Ten Hag expressed disappointment post-match, emphasizing the impact of the decision on United’s momentum and position in the league. “Before the season, VAR was instructed only to interfere on clear and obvious mistakes. This was not clear and obvious,” he said. “It’s a bad feeling… That’s the third time this season I feel there’s been an injustice.”
The defeat leaves United in a challenging position, compounding frustrations with recent officiating calls that have affected their standings in the Premier League.