Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday afternoon knowing that a point will see them qualify for the Champions League
Benjamin Sesko doubled Manchester United’s lead against Liverpool(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher has delivered his verdict on Benjamin Sesko’s goal for Manchester United against Liverpool on Sunday. The goal, which made it 2-0, was allowed to stand despite claims of handball.
United know that they need just a point to qualify for next season’s Champions League. And the Reds got off to the perfect start in Sunday’s game against their Merseyside rivals after Matheus Cunha put them ahead with a shot from outside the box.
Michael Carrick’s side then doubled their lead through Sesko as a scrappy stage of play saw the Slovenian poke the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. VAR examined the goal for a brief period with a suggestion of handball, but it was allowed to stand.
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And ex-Liverpool player Carragher has now had his say on the incident. Speaking while on commentary duty for Sky Sports, he 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.”
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The Premier League Match Centre account on X have confirmed in a post why the goal was allowed to stand.
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.”
Former United forward Dion Dublin has explained to BBC Radio 5 Live why he thinks the right decision was made.
He said: “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!”
United’s fast start has seen former Reds captain Gary Neville call for them to inflict a heavy defeat on their rivals.
The 51-year-old said: “Man Utd have been the opposite of Liverpool. They’ve been purposeful with everything they’ve done.
“Everything has been front-foot. United have been fantastic in this first half.
“If you’ve got the killer instinct, you go and do Liverpool for three or four. There will be chances.”
