Cunha goal allowed after Mbeumo trapped the ball with his arm
Sunday, 17 May 2026 · 2025-26 · 55'
What happened
Bryan Mbeumo trapped Diogo Dalot's cross between his arm and hip before Matheus Cunha scored. VAR correctly sent referee Michael Salisbury to the monitor, but he kept the goal, calling the handball accidental. PGMOL admitted the next day that the goal should not have stood. It was worth two points to United.
- On the pitch
- Goal, kept after monitor review
- VAR
- Referee rejected VAR advice
- Benefited
- MUN Manchester United
- Harmed
- NFO Nottingham Forest
Fan verdict
Was the final decision right?
One tap, then pick your club. We show how Manchester United fans, Nottingham Forest fans and everyone else answered.
Fallout
- Howard Webb spoke to both Forest and United to acknowledge the misjudgement.
Reaction
“After review, the decision of goal stands because the handball offence is accidental, therefore the final decision is goal.”
Michael Salisbury · Referee (stadium announcement)
Sources
- officialEvery VAR and referee error in the 2025-26 Premier League (BBC Sport, via ModernGhana)BBC Sport
- officialPGMO admits error in allowing Matheus Cunha goal after Bryan Mbeumo handballSky Sports
- reportPremier League reveal why Mbeumo handball did not see United goal ruled outSports Mole
- analysis2025–26 Premier League table without every official VAR errorSports Illustrated