---
source: thedugout.football
generated: 2026-05-18T12:49:50.231Z
last_updated: 2026-05-18T09:17:07+00:00
data_provider: API-Football
canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/manchester-united/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWFuY2hlc3RlcmV2ZW5pbmduZXdzLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0L2Zvb3RiYWxsL2Zvb3RiYWxsLW5ld3MvdmFyLW1hbi11bml0ZWQtbm90dGluZ2hhbS1mb3Jlc3QtMzM5NjM5NjY
---

# Matheus Cunha VAR decision explained after Man United benefit from 'shocker'

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 18 May
- **Club:** Manchester United
- **Original URL:** https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/var-man-united-nottingham-forest-33963966

Gallagher has now insisted that Salisbury should have heeded the advice of his VAR. The former official believes Salisbury was misled by the ball also making contact with another part of Mbeumo's body, yet there should have been no question that he controlled it with his hand.

"I think it should be disallowed. It should be handball," Gallagher said on Ref Watch. "I think Michael gets seduced by this directive that if it comes off your body and strikes your arm, it's accidental, carry on. I think if your arm is out there.

"I get it, hits his hip, strikes his arm. It does strike his thigh, no doubt about that. He almost cushions the ball. It creates that opportunity.

"If you listen to VAR, it's clear, I think it's a handball offence. I think he's controlled it with his hand; he sends him to the screen, he does everything he can do, then it's Michael Salisbury's choice.

Gallagher went on to say: "This comes down to, do you think this is accidental? Is there enough evidence to say that the player gained a massive advantage by what he did? I actually think his arm comes in, and that's what cushions the ball.

"I think it gets trapped. If you look, there's a period where the ball is stationary in his body."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who was on commentary duty for the match, branded the decision a 'shocker', expressing utter disbelief at what had unfolded.

"There will be nobody watching that game who plays football or who watches football who will think that goal should have been awarded. It feels obvious to disallow. He (Mbeumo) almost wedged the ball under his arm."

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.