Manchester United's second goal in Sunday's Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest should have been ruled out for handball, PGMO has confirmed. The incident occurred when the ball struck Bryan Mbeumo's arm before teammate Matheus Cunha converted to make it 2-0. Referee Michael Salisbury rejected the VAR recommendation to disallow the goal, sticking with his original decision despite reviewing the footage at the pitchside monitor.

Forest players protested immediately, with Morgan Gibbs-White insisting the handball was clear from his viewing angle. Howard Webb contacted the club to acknowledge the error, explaining that while the handball appeared accidental, football's expectations demand such goals be overturned. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann supported this view, stating that Mbeumo's control with his hand should have resulted in the goal being disallowed.

The decision proved pivotal as United went on to win 3-2, moving them up to fourth in the table. Salisbury's rejection of VAR advice marked only the 17th instance in seven seasons, highlighting the ongoing tension between referee authority and technology in modern football.

This error could prove costly for Forest's survival hopes, leaving them in the relegation zone with crucial matches ahead.