Why Manchester United’s second goal against Ipswich stood despite Harry Maguire handball | OneFootball

Manchester United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town was overshadowed by a disputed second goal, with Harry Maguire handling in the build-up yet the strike standing after a VAR check. The decision centred on a quirk in the current handball law.

United collected their first points of the 2026/27 season in a dominant display. According to The Independent, Maguire appeared to control the ball with his arm before shooting, his effort deflecting off Jacob Greaves for an own goal.

Many inside Old Trafford expected the goal to be chalked off, but following review the referee awarded it, prompting confusion. The check confirmed the on-field call.

Officials later clarified that because Maguire did not score himself and the handball was accidental, the incident was not punishable. Under the laws, an offence applies when a player scores directly with the hand or immediately after the ball has touched it.

Exceptions cover situations where the goal is not immediate, a teammate scores or the touch results in an own goal, which applied here. Gary Neville said the rule would need revisiting after the incident.

Bruno Fernandes completed a hat-trick and Bryan Mbeumo added a fifth as United built momentum. They will look to carry that attacking edge into upcoming Champions League league phase fixtures, while refereeing bodies might face pressure to review the wording.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”