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Gary O’Neil describes decision to allow Man United’s controversial goal as ‘a bad, strange rule’
31st August, 2026 07:57 AM
For the second matchday running, controversy flared as Manchester United hosted Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Harry Maguire had a goal allowed to stand after appearing to accidentally handball before his shot hit a rival defender. The moment proved crucial, putting United in the lead for the first time in the 58th minute before Bruno Fernandes took firm control of the match with a hat-trick.
Speaking after the clash, Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil expressed his dissatisfaction with the call, criticising the rule itself.
Unfortunate goals
“Two really unfortunate goals. It is really hard on the lads to go behind after 58 minutes when they had played so well to stay in the game. We were unlucky the second goal wasn’t disallowed. It is a strange rule, a bad one – I don’t know what they will do if it’s close. It’s a tough rule to apply. It looked like a handball to me, but I have to accept it,” he stated.
Despite the setback, O’Neil opted to dwell on the positives from his side, stating that they had plenty to pick up as they head to an equally tough game against Liverpool.
Positives
“We were disciplined and organised. It was a huge moment right before a massive shift in momentum. It was just a slip; these things happen. We will need to improve, but it was a good effort as we look ahead to the Liverpool game,” he added.
The controversial incident was clarified after the match, with officials confirming that the England defender’s effort stood despite the handball because his initial shot was off-target before taking the deflection.
VAR explains decision to allow controversial goal
According to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) communication with the referee, had the shot gone straight into the net, it would have been ruled out. However, because the attempt was diverted into the goal by Jacob Greaves, the goal was allowed to stand.
United ultimately rode on the moment and added three more goals in an inspired second-half performance to sink Ipswich Town 5-2 and pick up their first three points of the season.
Bruno Fernandes was the star of the half and the entire show, helping himself to a hat-trick as Ipswich slumped to a first defeat of the new season.
