“It’s no surprise… if there is a VAR intervention, the decision goes against us.” Arne Slot fumed as a controversial Šeško goal helped Manchester United to a 3-2 win.
Liverpool were beaten by Manchester United once again this season, as the Red Devils came away from Old Trafford with three big points, which secured their place in the Champions League for the 2026/27 season.
The Reds were easily overrun by United in the first half as they took a 2-0 lead, before it was pulled level within the first quarter of an hour of the second half. As the game advanced towards the conclusion, Kobbie Mainoo was the difference maker for Michael Carrick’s team.
United’s second goal was mired in controversy as Benjamin Šeško doubled the lead under the shadow of a massive VAR review.
As the ball fell to the Slovenian international, it appeared to graze his hand while rolling across the line. Despite a lengthy check by the officials at Stockley Park, the goal was sensationally upheld.
The Premier League Match Centre later clarified that the strike stood because there was “no conclusive evidence” that Šeško had handled the ball, much to the disbelief of the traveling support.
Liverpool supporters couldn’t believe they had doubled their lead, which put United in the driving seat, where they dominated the first half. Arne Slot was also confused over the decision that went against his side, though at this stage, he claims he’s no longer shocked.
In his press conference, the Dutch head coach said, “I think it’s a touch. The curve on the ball changed, so there must have been contact. But it’s no surprise to anyone that if there is a VAR intervention, then the decision goes against us. It’s happened to us all season.”
The officiating remained under the microscope shortly after Manchester United regained their 3-2 lead. In a high-tension moment, United captain Bruno Fernandes escaped a potential dismissal after a reckless challenge through the back of Dominik Szoboszlai.
While the Hungarian playmaker went down under the force of the tackle, the referee opted for leniency, much to the frustration of the Liverpool bench.
Had Fernandes seen red, the final stages at Old Trafford could have played out very differently; instead, the Portuguese midfielder remained on the pitch to help United see out their Champions League-securing victory.
He also brought up key decisions that have gone against his team in recent weeks such as Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty shout in the second leg of their Champions League tie against Paris-Saint Germain, and last weekend’s injury to Freddie Woodman where Daniel Munoz scored a goal.
These actions have cost his side dearly in recent weeks, some more than others, though they are clearly affecting the 48-year-old, as he can’t understand why these calls are being made in favour of the opponent.
Failure to offer resistance
While they scored in controversial fashion, his team failed to stop any of their attacking advancements in the opening phases. They couldn’t meet Carrick’s side head on, which is a worrying sign for a team which the quality we previously saw.
Slot did admit that while he’s angry by the decision against his team, the players didn’t do enough to stop the chance from coming the way of Sesko before allowing the referee to make a decision.
“The second goal we did not concede because of the handball, but we conceded it because we lost the ball in a stupid position, and we lost a few big moments afterwards in duels. So we have to first look at ourselves, let me make that completely clear and obvious, but decisions have gone every single game against us.”
The third goal had a similar fate before it fell into Mainoo’s feet. There were several duels and challenges that the away side failed to commit to or win, which resulted in United grabbing a late winner.
This is a concern for Kopites, as there have been countless instances this season where players have lacked that fight to win the challenges, which set the team up for dangerous attacking plays.
So where does that come from? Several factors from several areas need to take responsibility. The Dutchman would like officials to take more responsibility for how they handle the game, though his players and he need to be more active rather than responsive.
The Sesko goal allowed the Red Devils to come away with three points and bragging rights over Liverpool, though, as the head coach stated, there is something wrong with how players are reacting to situations in the game, which has to be put down to them and their boss.
