Man United Fans Furious as VAR Overlooks William Saliba Foul on Matheus Cunha
- Fans have voiced their frustration on social media, arguing the decision not to award Man United a penalty against Arsenal
- Replays showed noticeable contact between William Saliba and Matheus Cunha, with many fans convinced it should have resulted in a penalty for United
- Despite the controversy, both the referee and VAR opted against taking action, meaning Arsenal held onto their narrow 1-0 win
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Manchester United fans were left furious after a second-half flashpoint when William Saliba appeared to bring down Matheus Cunha inside the box.
The Premier League’s headline clash of the opening weekend delivered intensity and controversy, with Arsenal edging a 1-0 win at Old Trafford despite an improved showing from the hosts.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal struck first after just 13 minutes, showcasing their set-piece strength.
Declan Rice’s corner sparked confusion in the United box, with William Saliba colliding with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before Riccardo Calafiori scrambled the ball over the line.
While many questioned whether Saliba’s contact was legal, the goal stood.
The drama didn’t end there, as in the second half, Saliba appeared to crash into Matheus Cunha inside the area, triggering loud penalty appeals from United’s players and fans—but again, nothing was given.
Replays revealed heavy contact, leading many fans online to brand it a stonewall penalty.
Yet, neither the referee nor VAR chose to act, and United remained 1-0 down.
Man United fans criticise VAR
The incident has since ignited heated debate, with supporters arguing it was a pivotal moment that robbed their side of a lifeline.
@AdamJoseph____ wrote:
"That is a clear penalty against William Saliba on Matheus Cunha. He didn't get the ball & goes right through him. VAR didn't even check it but you can see it on the replay. What are we doing, football?"
@UtdDistrict posted:
"Nothing to see here. Just William Saliba clearly fouling Matheus Cunha in the box. Disgraceful decision."
@Dr_Ikay said:
"Cunha stepped into his outstretched leg… No no no, all I see is a man that got the ball before Saliba. Clear penalty!!!"
@PoorEPLreferees commented:
"Yes that should have been a penalty for Manchester United after Saliba went through the back of Cunha without making any contact with the ball."
@theyawofosu wrote:
"That Saliba tackle on Cunha was a penalty btw. Like it goes, football evens itself. There will be a few that will not be given hopefully the other team doesn’t make it all about them."
@TheRSALad said:
"I think we need to start a conversation about VARSenal. How was this not a penalty for Manchester United and Matheus Cunha after that, Saliba clear foul? United have been robbed."
What Arsenal fans said about Gyokeres' debut
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Viktor Gyokeres endured a frustrating Arsenal debut as he struggled to make an impact in Sunday’s clash against Manchester United.
The £63.5 million striker started at Old Trafford, where the Gunners secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s early header from a Declan Rice corner.
Facing his former coach Ruben Amorim, the Swedish forward failed to leave a mark, recording just 21 touches and nine passes in his 60 minutes on the pitch.
Source: YEN.com.gh
