Premier League explain controversial Benjamin Sesko goal in Man Utd vs Liverpool | Football | Sport

Manchester United’s second goal against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon survived a VAR review after a potential handball by Benjamin Sesko was examined by remote officials at Stockley Park.

The Slovenia international ultimately bundled the ball home after Bruno Fernandes headed a cross back across goal, with the unfortunate Freddie Woodman only able to deflect the ball onto Sesko’s thigh. However, television replays appeared to indicate that the ball may have brushed Sesko’s fingers before hitting the back of the net.

Ultimately, the goal stood, and the Premier League Match Centre X account clarified that there was insufficient 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, providing commentary for Sky Sports, agreed 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 strike in the 14th minute was thoroughly merited following an explosive opening spell at Old Trafford.

Matheus Cunha had already put United in front after just six minutes with a volleyed effort which he drove into the turf and beyond Woodman, who was unfortunate to receive the faintest of deflections off Alexis Mac Allister.

A slick counter-attack led to Sesko’s goal — with Fernandes initially attempting to set up the striker inside the penalty area — leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb.