Premier League explain Man Utd vs Liverpool VAR controversy as Benjamin Sesko goal stands

Manchester United's second goal against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon survived a VAR check after a potential handball by Benjamin Sesko was scrutinised by remote officials in Stockley Park.

The Slovenia international eventually bundled home after Bruno Fernandes nodded a cross back across goal, with the unfortunate Freddie Woodman only able to touch the ball onto Sesko's thigh. But images shown on television replays appeared to suggest that the ball may have grazed Sesko's fingers prior to hitting the back of the net.

Eventually, the goal was cleared - and the Premier League Match Centre X account explained there was inconclusive evidence to suggest Sesko had handled the ball.

A post on X read: "The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring."

Gary Neville , commentating on the game for Sky Sports , was in agreement that there was no conclusive evidence to disallow the goal. “It’s not conclusive, certainly not enough to disallow the goal. There might be a little flick with that finger,” he said.

Sesko's goal in the 14th minute was exactly what Manchester United deserved after an electric start at Old Trafford.

Arne Slot on Benjamin Sesko's goal: "It's NO surprise to anyone that if there is a VAR intervention then the decision goes against us!" 

"It has been happening to us ALL SEASON”.

Matheus Cunha had already fired them ahead after just six minutes with a volleyed effort which he fired into the turf and beyond Woodman, who was not aided by the slightest of deflections off Alexis Mac Allister.

And a slick break for Sesko's goal, which initially saw Fernandes try to tee up the striker in the penalty area, left Liverpool with a mountain to climb.