VAR Decision Sparks Debate in Manchester Uniteds Win at Selhurst Park

Manchester United won 2-1 against Crystal Palace, but controversy arose when Jean Philippe Mateta was allowed to retake his penalty after an accidental double touch. VAR cited the new rule change, though some pundits argued it rewarded poor technique. United recovered through goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount to seal the important victory.

When the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Crystal Palace began on Sunday, few expected the opening goal to be surrounded by so much controversy. A foul by Leny Yoro gifted Jean Philippe Mateta a penalty, which he converted, but replays showed the ball brushing his standing foot on the way in. VAR instructed referee Rob Jones to order a retake under the newly updated rule that allows a second attempt if an accidental double touch results in a goal.

Mateta scored again to give Palace the lead. Former referee Dermot Gallagher supported VAR’s decision, explaining that the rule changed following Julian Alvarez’s incident in last season’s Champions League. Under the previous rule, Mateta’s strike would have been disallowed, and United awarded an indirect free kick. However, ex-striker Jay Bothroyd argued the retake was unfair, saying Mateta’s poor technique should not have earned him another chance.

United responded strongly in the second half, taking advantage of Palace’s fatigue after their midweek trip to France. Goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount overturned the deficit to secure a valuable 2-1 win. Manager Ruben Amorim noted his side’s improved intensity after the break and praised their control as United bounced back from last week’s defeat to Everton.