Mark Halsey backs United’s controversial goal under the law

Premier League Mark Halsey Verdict on the controversial Man Utd goal saw Manchester United secure three points at Old Trafford on Saturday, despite a heated debate over the second strike that lifted them 2-1 above Ipswich Town.

United overturn early setback

Ipswich took the lead in the 29th minute through Leif Davis, leaving the Theatre of Dreams rattled after a loss to Hull City the previous week. United responded with a Bruno Fernandes hat‑trick, a Bryan Mbeumo finish and an own goal by Jacob Greaves, turning the match around and clinching the win.

Halsey’s legal explanation

The decisive moment came when a Harry Maguire effort deflected off Greaves and entered the net. Craig Pawson ruled the goal valid, arguing that Maguire’s handball was accidental and, crucially, that Maguire was not the scorer, making the own‑goal rule apply.

Former referee Mark Halsey told The Sun: "Now, when Manchester United go 2-1 up with an own goal by Ipswich Town's Greaves, in the build‑up to that goal, Harry Maguire handles the ball. The ball hits his arms. Now, when challenging Akpom for the ball, his arms are in a natural position, and it's an accidental handball. Harry Maguire gets his shot away, and it comes off Ipswich's Greaves and goes into the goal. Now, because Harry Maguire wasn't the scorer, the goal stands. Had Maguire shot directly into the goal, it would've been disallowed for an accidental handball because he would've been the scorer. Because he wasn't the scorer — it was an own goal — the goal stands. Some people say the law is an a**, you could argue it is. But, according to the law, that goal was correctly given by on‑field and after review by VAR."

Premier League as Man Utd goal stands after Ipswich After Handball

Halsey’s verdict underlines that, per the law, the goal was correctly awarded despite the handball, as the scorer was technically the Ipswich defender.

The story was compiled by REUTERS/Jon Super By  Alfie Cairns Culshaw PM GMT+1. Alfie Cairns Culshaw is a football journalist covering the Premier League for GIVEMESPORT. He joined the outlet in May 2024 and is an avid Arsenal fan and season‑ticket holder. Previously he worked for SportBible, focusing on Liverpool and Manchester United, and creates YouTube content. His Arsenal Blog boasts over 59,000 Instagram followers and regular readers. Alfie’s work spans Sport, Football and the GiveMeSport platform, where he also contributes to the Us and Here sections, often giving Goal analyses.

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