Siddharth Juyal
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean clarified why Rasmus Højlund’s goal didn’t stand
Mike Dean, on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (h/t Metro), analyzed and explained why they disallowed the goal scored by Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund, even after initially awarding it.
Højlund scored what could have been his first goal for United, but unfortunately, VAR disallowed the goal after a check.
In the 40th minute, with United trailing Brighton & Hove Albion by a goal, the 20-year-old found the net. Højlund celebrated the goal thinking he had opened his United account in front of Old Trafford but the VAR check stopped his celebration on track.
Dean addressed the issue on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (h/t Metro), to emphasize the moment that broke United fans’ hearts, did not happen intentionally. He said:
“It’s a straightforward decision when it comes to out of play and in play, but it is very, very tight, and I can understand why the assistant referee hasn’t seen it. It took a lot of freeze frames forwards and backward, but the ball had just gone out, so the VAR made the correct decision. The ball is out of play when: It has wholly crossed the goal line or touchline, whether on the ground or in the air.”
The disallowed goal summed up Højlund and United’s disappointing evening as Brighton added to their lead in the second half.
The Red Devils lost the game 1-3, dropping further down the Premier League table and currently residing in 13th position.
Neither the United team nor the fans had any issues with the right decision made by the VAR, as the ball appeared to be completely out of play before Marcus Rashford delivered it to Højlund.
The English giant will face Bayern Munich in the opening fixture of the Champions League, aiming to revive their season.
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Red Devils fans hope that luck turns in their favor soon so that the club can gain some momentum going forward. While Højlund awaits his first goal, his performance provided a positive aspect for the fans.
