A controversial goal scored by Manchester United against Ipswich Town was allowed to stand due to an obscure rule regarding own goals, despite Harry Maguire appearing to handle the ball. The incident occurred during Manchester United's 5-2 victory over Ipswich at Old Trafford.
The goal in question was Manchester United's second of the match. Maguire's initial shot appeared to strike his hand before deflecting off an Ipswich player, Jacob Greaves, and into the net. Under normal circumstances, a handball that leads directly to a goal would result in the goal being disallowed. However, in this specific instance, the video assistant referee advised the match official that because the ball deflected off Greaves and into the net, it constituted an own goal. The accidental handball by Maguire was therefore not punishable, and the goal was awarded.
Maguire himself acknowledged the unusual situation. "I don't know if it brushed my fingers. I actually dragged the shot a little bit wide so it's going to go down as an own goal!" he told Sky Sports, suggesting he was aware the deflection was key. He also stated the handball was not deliberate.
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil expressed frustration with the rule, telling the BBC that while he accepted the decision, "It doesn't feel like a goal." He noted the difficulty referees face in such situations, particularly when a shot might be heading close to the post.
Pundit Darren Bent commented on Sky Sports that while the rule is clear, it can feel counterintuitive. "If it hits your hand and he is the one that directly impacts it, it's not a nice one to take," Bent said, referring to Maguire's involvement in the ball's trajectory towards the net.