Why VAR was not used for Harry Maguire’s FA Cup winner against Leicester city

Why VAR was not used for Harry Maguire’s FA Cup winner against Leicester city

Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to give United a boost in the second half after the team had once again played poorly in the first half at Old Trafford.

After 68 minutes, with the match nearing extra time, Joshua Zirkzee tied the score for the home team.

Two minutes into extra time, Maguire sprang to meet Fernandes’ free kick and saved his team with a brilliant header, but it looked like the England star had veered offside as he touched the ball. If VAR had been in place, Maguire’s goal would have most likely been chalked off.

The FA did, however, declare towards the end of last year that the system will not be utilized in this competition until the fifth road.

A statement from the FA in December said: ‘Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards

‘It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.

‘VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation

This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition

The decision shocked Ian Wright and Roy Keane in the ITV studio with the former Manchester United captain convinced the linesman should have spotted the offside in real time.

‘Look where the linesman is! He’s bang in line with it,’ an incredulous Wright said.

‘That’s just a poor decision,’ Keane said. ‘We talk about VAR, whether it should or shouldn’t be here but the linesman has got to see that. United took full advantage. But they got out of jail today.’