Manchester United Into Quarter-Finals As VAR Takes The Headlines

Manchester United came out on top in a tough fixture against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, emerging 2-0 winners. However, VAR stole the headlines as Juan Mata's first half strike was controversially ruled out.

United were out of the blocks quickly and took the lead through Romelu Lukaku inside 3 minutes before Huddersfield got a foothold in the game. Juan Mata then saw his cool finish just before half time chalked off controversially by VAR. The real issue came from the fans watching at home who were presented with images they believed were being used to make the VAR decision.  In the pictures the lines being used to adjudge whether Mata was offside appeared to be wavy rather than straight!

Lukaku's goal in the early stages of the game is what we describe as good old fashioned centre forward play.  Dropping short to receive the ball before spinning his defender and running in behind the Terriers back line. Mata's delightful pass left Lukaku with the task of holding off his man and dispatching the ball into the back of the net, which he did superbly.

The Red Devils then seemed to immediately lose their opening intensity after going in front. Huddersfield enjoyed long spells of possession and Danny Williams controlled the midfield as the home side were just more physical both on and off the ball. United were made to battle hard and their defensive capabilities were tested.

The moment of controversy then came just before half time, Young fed Mata through as he expertly finished passed Lossl. Celebrations had already pretty much finished before Kevin Friend was informed by VAR that the goal would be disallowed. The pictures show the decision to be incredibly close, was it really conclusive enough to rule out a goal? We don't think so.

After the break, Huddersfield continued their impressive performance as they had numerous efforts on the away sides' goal. Sergio Romero produced some great saves and Chris Smalling put his recent poor form behind him with a commanding display.

United then showed how clinical they can be. Alexis Sanchez, who had been relatively quiet all game, fed an expertly weighted ball through the Huddersfield centre backs for Lukaku to latch onto. The big number nine then slotted it past the Terriers keeper to make it 2-0.

Although Huddersfield continued to try reduce the deficit, Manchester United saw out the game and kept a clean sheet to progress to the quarter finals where they will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford.

TGtM Man of the Match: Chris Smalling