Mike Dean blasts Erik ten Hag claim that VAR robbed Man Utd of winning goal against Arsenal

Following Manchester United’s defeat, Ten Hag couldn’t resist criticizing the technology, as he believed the camera angle was inadequate for making a proper decision on Garnacho’s goal. He suggested that the officials had made the wrong call.

However, former Premier League referee Mike Dean dismissed Ten Hag’s criticism, emphasizing that there is no room for error when using VAR at Stockley Park.

During Sky Sports’ coverage, Dean stated: “It’s obviously a very tight call. I was watching from upstairs, and I can understand why the assistant referee kept his flag down. That’s what they’re instructed to do – if in doubt, keep the flag down and review it with VAR. At first glance, I did think it was offside.

“There are a couple of camera angles where one suggests onside, and the other suggests offside. But when they draw the lines on the screen, you can’t fault the technology. The lines are placed correctly.

“The angles are available for use, and they would have used crosshairs to ensure the angles are accurate. I understand the manager’s perspective because the angle wasn’t ideal, but we have the technology in place to position the lines correctly. At normal speed, it also appeared to be offside.”

With two losses in their first four matches, Manchester United heads into the international break to regroup and recover.

Ten Hag commented on the performance after the match, telling Sky Sports: “Our performance was right. We played a very good game, but everything went against us. When luck deserts you, you don’t win. With a bit more luck, we would have won.

“The disallowed goal was not offside; it was a matter of the wrong angle. There should have been a penalty for Rasmus Hojlund. When we conceded the goal, Jonny Evans was fouled – it was evident. We have to accept it, but from the angle I saw, it wasn’t offside. It feels a bit unfair, but you have to accept it.”

He later added: “We must accept it, but from my viewpoint and the angle I saw, it wasn’t offside. However, it doesn’t change the result. It is what it is, and we have to accept it.”