The Premier League have released a statement after Matheus Cunha’s goal in Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest was controversially allowed to stand.
United welcomed Forest to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon with both sides not having too much to play for. The Red Devils had already secured third place in the Premier League, while Forest can no longer be relegated after a resurgence in form in recent weeks.
Michael Carrick’s side took the lead in the opening five minutes when Luke Shaw found the back of the net. Forest equalised just after half-time when Morato headed home following an exquisite delivery from Elliot Anderson.
It didn’t take long for United to restore their lead as Matheus Cunha found the back of the net.
Premier League Speak Out After Matheus Cunha’s Goal
Nottingham Forest’s players were livid when Cunha found the back of the net. Bryan Mbeumo appeared to control the ball with his arm before teeing up the Brazilian, who expertly finished past Matz Sels.
Cunha barely celebrated his goal, suggesting he thought that the goal would be disallowed. It looked as if it would be ruled out when VAR ordered referee Michael Salisbury to go over to the monitor and watch the goal again.
However, Salisbury decided to overrule VAR and give the goal, much to Gary Neville’s bemusement.
The Man Utd legend was covering the game for Sky Sports, and he expressed his surprise that it was allowed to stand. He said: “I think that’s an absolute shocker in every single way. I can’t believe what I’ve just seen.”
The Premier League have now released a statement explaining the referee’s decision. The Premier League Match Centre X account wrote:
“After VAR review, the referee stuck with the original decision to award a goal to Manchester United.
Referee announcement: “After review, the decision of goal stands because the handball offence is accidental, therefore the final decision is goal.”
More to follow…


