Benjamin Sesko scored Manchester United’s second goal against Liverpool but may have handled the ball to help send it past Freddie Woodman at Old Trafford
The Premier League Match Centre account shared an update about the incident
There was no conclusive evidence that Benjamin Sesko handled the ball on his way to scoring against Liverpool, according to the video assistant referee. The Manchester United forward doubled his side’s lead over the Reds at Old Trafford but could not avoid the suggestion he had committed a handball.
Bruno Fernandes’ header was parried by Freddie Woodman before the ball hit Sesko and went into the net. The Slovenian seemed to have little say in where the ball hit him, but the moment was subject to further scrutiny after the ball crossed the line.
The goal was checked and stood, with Premier League Match Centre, explaining the decision. They said: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring.”
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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was uncertain whether Sesko’s strike should have been ruled out against the Reds.
Carragher said: “It’s one of them: when you see one angle you think it does [hit his hand], when you see another it doesn’t look like it does.”
Ex-Manchester United forward Dion Dublin believes that Darren England got the decision correct. The Homes under the Hammer presenter heaped praise on Fernandes for his role in the goal.
“I believe the referee got that right. I think the power from Woodman gives it the momentum to go over the white line. Ugly goal, who cares?
“We know what Bruno is like, it is an unbelievable cross. Two great bits of play for Bruno. United are in dreamland!”
Carragher had greater concerns over the manner of Liverpool’s defending, rather than the possibility of a handball being awarded. The former central defender chastised the Reds for their inability to handle physicality.
“That goal… you talk about Liverpool’s season. They’ve been popping the ball about but they can’t cope with the counter-attack,” he said.
“That has summed Liverpool up all season – they’re a nice team but they can’t handle physicality.
“Mac Allister loses the ball in midfield and before you know it they get blown away by the pace and power of Man Utd.”
