Credit: Imago / Man United via X

Ben Palmer

Sat 9 August 2025 14:45, UK

Man United’s equaliser against Fiorentina was controversially given with VAR not in use at Old Trafford.

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The Red Devils took on their Italian counterparts in their final pre-season game on 9 August at 12.45 pm.

The match-up allowed Ruben Amorim to start Bryan Mbeumo in a match for the first time since his move from Brentford, whilst also giving the Old Trafford faithful a chance to show their appreciation for former shot-stopper David De Gea.

The Spaniard returned to the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since leaving in 2023, and his side took the lead through a delightful Simon Sohm volley.

Bryan Mbeumo started his first game in a Man United shirt.

(Credit Imago)

United soon equalised through what first appeared to be a Leny Yoro header, until replays showed that Robin Gosens had powered the ball into his own net.

However, those same replays also showed that, with the use of VAR, the German wing-back may have been spared his blushes.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

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With 25 minutes on the clock, the exit-linked Mason Mount made a swerving run that led to the ball being poked out of play for a United corner.

Al-Nassr target Bruno Fernandes stepped up to deliver an in-swinger into the box and several players from both sides ended up on the ground.

Replays revealed that Ayden Heaven had done a fabulous job of being a nuisance for De Gea and his defenders, standing strong as others around him crumpled.

And amidst the chaos, Yoro placed a hand on Gosens’ back that appeared to unsteady the defender as he nodded the ball into his own net.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the incident which led to Man United’s equaliser, Hackett said: “The issue is who you decide is holding, [they’re] all at it.

“The defender who scored the own-goal did have an arm in the back, but threw himself to the ground.

“The referee has seen what has happened and, from his position, is happy to allow the goal to stand.

Ayden Heaven caused chaos in Fiorentina’s box.

(Credit: Imago)

“However, with a forensic examination of the incident and VAR in operation we can be certain that the referee would have been sent to the monitor.

“And in reviewing it with several replays, the goal would have been chalked off.”

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