Premier League immediately revealed the reason why Manchester United's handball was still counted as a goal in their win over Nottingham Forest (video).
On 17 May 2026, the English Premier League clarified the reason behind the controversial goal involving Manchester United during Week 37 of the 2025-26 Premier League season, in a home match where they narrowly defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2.
The disputed goal put Manchester United ahead 2-1 in the 55th minute when Diogo Dalot crossed from the right flank into the box. Brian Mbeumo attempted to control the ball but it struck his arm inside the penalty area before being blocked and falling to Matheus Cunha, who scored.
Although the ball clearly hit Brian Mbeumo's outstretched arm, referee Michael Salisbury reviewed the VAR footage himself and confirmed the goal for Manchester United, ruling that it was not a handball, which sparked widespread debate.
The Premier League explained why the goal stood despite Brian Mbeumo's apparent handball, stating, "After reviewing VAR, the referee upheld the original decision to award the goal to Manchester United."
"The referee announced that after further review, the decision to allow the goal remained because the handball was deemed accidental. Therefore, the final decision was to count the goal."
This victory guaranteed Manchester United a third-place finish in the 2025-26 Premier League standings, as fourth-placed Aston Villa no longer have a chance to overtake them.
