Manchester United’s clash with Sunderland at Old Trafford has been lit up by early goals and major VAR drama.
With United leading 2-0 late in the first half, referee Stuart Attwell awarded Sunderland a penalty after Benjamin Sesko’s raised boot caught Trai Hume. However, following a VAR review and a long look at the pitch-side monitor, the decision was overturned.
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The Premier League later clarified the call, posting on X:
“After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Sunderland. Referee announcement: ‘After review, there is no foul by the Manchester United player. He does not make contact with the head of the attacker. As the ball is out of play when the decision was made, the final decision is corner kick.’”
The controversy comes in a first half where United looked sharp. Mason Mount opened the scoring in the eighth minute with his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford, slotting home from Bryan Mbeumo’s assist. Sesko then doubled the lead just past the half-hour mark with a smart finish following Diogo Dalot’s flick-on.
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United have dominated possession and created several chances, with Bruno Fernandes rattling the crossbar. Sunderland, meanwhile, have grown into the contest and tested debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens with a long-range strike from Granit Xhaka.
The overturned penalty has only added to the drama as both sides continue to battle for control at Old Trafford.