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According to the Premier League's refereeing chief, a VAR mistake could have cost Erik Ten Hag his job at Manchester United
Manchester United’s decision to sack Erik ten Hag after a controversial 2-1 defeat to West Ham is now under scrutiny, as referees’ chief Howard Webb has admitted that a crucial VAR error may have unfairly influenced the result.
The penalty awarded to West Ham, which led to Manchester United’s defeat, has since been deemed a mistake, raising questions about whether Ten Hag’s departure was a hasty call.
VAR controversy sparks questions over Ten Hag's dismissal
The Red Devils' loss to West Ham saw referee David Coote initially wave play on after a clash between Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings.
However, VAR official Michael Oliver advised Coote to review the incident, resulting in a penalty that secured West Ham’s victory. The loss left United struggling in 14th place and ultimately cost Ten Hag his job.
Webb, who serves as the chief refereeing officer at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has since stated that VAR was wrong to intervene and believes the penalty should not have been awarded.
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According to Webb, he made his stance on the matter clear after reviewing the footage, casting doubt over whether Ten Hag might have avoided dismissal had the penalty not been given.
Amorim set to take over after van Nistelrooy interim spell
Following Ten Hag’s exit, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy took over as interim manager, overseeing a 5-2 victory against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Manchester United have since announced that Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim will step in as the club’s next permanent head coach, beginning his tenure at Old Trafford on November 11.
Van Nistelrooy is set to manage Manchester United’s upcoming fixtures against PAOK in the Europa League and Leicester City in the Premier League.
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With just 12 points in their first 10 league games, Manchester United’s current campaign marks their worst start since 1986-87, and now all eyes will be on Amorim as he prepares to take the reins, hoping to steer the Red Devils back on track.
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