VAR intervened to rule out Manchester United’s goal (Picture: TNT Sports)
Premier League fans believe they have witnessed ‘the most unlucky offside ever’ after Manchester United were denied a late goal against Brighton.
Danny Welbeck poked home against his former club to give Brighton a first-half lead in Saturday’s early Premier League game at the Amex Stadium.
Manchester United equalised with half an hour remaining, Amad Diallo beating the offside trap before rifling past Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.
Momentum was with the visitors at that stage and United fans were celebrating again shortly after as Alejandro Garnacho tucked home at the far post following Bruno Fernandes’ inviting cross.
But the Brighton players immediately complained to referee Chris Kavanagh about an offside offence and VAR checked the goal.
To the amazement of fans and TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist, replays showed Garnacho’s shot flicked off Joshua Zirkee inches before crossing the line and as the new United signing had slid into an offside position the goal was ruled out.
‘That might be offside,’ ex-Scotland striker Ally McCoist said on TNT Sports as the goal went in. ‘This is amazing, this is absolutely amazing.
‘Does it come off the substitute when Garnacho puts it in? Oh my goodness. I think it does. I think this is offside. Oh my god, I can’t believe that.’
Some fans on X described the decision as the ‘most unlucky offside ever’, while others taunted Manchester United for the unfortunate incident.
‘That’s objectively the single funniest way to have a goal ruled out for offside, you’d be sick as a dog,’ one said, while another wrote: ‘This happened to Man United… I’m crying.’
Alejandro Garnacho thought he had scored a late goal (Picture: Getty)
To make matters worse for Manchester United, Brighton then scored an injury-time winner through Joao Pedro to send Erik ten Hag’s side back to Old Trafford empty-handed.
United beat Fulham 1-0 in their Premier League opener but failed to add to their points tally against Brighton, who are now two wins from two under new boss Fabian Hurzeler.
Former Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton said on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘Manchester United cannot give away poor goals like that, it is basic stuff.
‘The Brighton manager, Fabian Hurzeler showed a statement of intent this afternoon. He was brave with substitutions, Brighton weathered the game and they had a good approach to the game.
‘They got their reward by being positive and brave.’
Ex-Manchester United defender Phil Jones added: ‘It’s a really disappointing performance.
‘United have lost the game on two second phase goals, they will be bitterly disappointed. But, full credit to Brighton, they pushed and probed.’
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