Manchester United’s last-gasp winner against Nottingham Forest on Saturday should have been disallowed after a clear offside decision, according to former assistant referee Darren Cann.
The decisive goal came in the 94th minute when Alejandro Garnacho slotted home what appeared to be a routine finish. But replays showed Portuguese winger Diogo Dalot, who provided the cross, was in an offside position when the ball was played. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team, led by referee Andrew Cann, opted not to intervene, sparking immediate controversy.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2 — Number of late winners Manchester United have scored against Forest in the past two seasons
- 94 — Minute Garnacho’s controversial goal was scored
- 1 — Number of times the VAR has overruled an offside call this season
Former assistant referee Darren Cann, now a laws analyst for BBC Sport, stated the decision was incorrect. "The lines were clear," Cann said. "Dalot was beyond the last defender when the ball was played. The VAR should have intervened."
Key Points
- ⚠️ Former assistant referee Darren Cann says Dalot was offside
- ⏱️ Goal scored in 94th minute sealed 3-2 win
- 📺 VAR did not intervene despite clear offside position
Forest manager Steve Cooper expressed his frustration post-match. "We defended well for 93 minutes," he said. "But the last minute cost us. It’s football, but it’s tough to take." United manager Erik ten Hag downplayed the controversy, insisting his team had earned the win.
| Aspect | United’s Claim | Forest’s Argument |
|---|---|---|
| Offside | VAR review deemed positional | Dalot was clearly offside |
| Game Impact | Late winner shows resilience | Result unfair due to refereeing |
The controversy overshadows what was otherwise a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford. Forest took a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes through Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga, but United fought back with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford before Garnacho’s controversial finish.
💡 Pro Tip
For referees reviewing offside calls, ensure the frame-by-frame analysis includes the exact moment the ball is played, not just the receiving player’s position.
As the dust settles, the debate over VAR’s consistency in high-stakes moments intensifies. This is the third time this season United have benefited from a late VAR call, raising questions about whether the system is tilting the balance in their favor.
- 🔍 VAR’s reluctance to overturn marginal calls is a recurring issue
- ⚠️ Forest’s frustration highlights broader concerns over refereeing fairness
- 📊 United’s late winners suggest a pattern worth monitoring
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey called for greater transparency in VAR decisions. "Fans deserve clarity," Halsey said. "If a goal is allowed and it shouldn’t be, it undermines the integrity of the game."
- First — VAR reviews must prioritize accuracy over speed
- Second — Marginal offside calls should be treated uniformly to avoid perception of bias
- Third — Greater communication from referees during live matches could reduce controversy
For now, Manchester United climb to fourth in the Premier League table while Forest drop to 12th. The incident will fuel debates for weeks, but the result stands—leaving both clubs to focus on their next challenges.