“A lot of freeze frames” – Mike Dean gives VAR verdict as Rasmus Hojlund denied Man United “goal” on home debut

Manchester United saw Rasmus Hojlund’s goal in the first half of their Premier League match against Brighton scored by VAR.

Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford

United started well but fell behind in the 20th minute against Brighton. Danny Welbeck passed the ball past Simon Adingra and into the box, Adingra’s low cross headed past Adam Lallana before the United academy graduate scored.

Marcus Rashford saw his shot go wide as United looked for the equalizer they thought they had found in the 40th minute. Rashford cut the ball back for debutant Hojlund to head home, this is the goal his first win for the club, only for VAR to decide the ball was out of play.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, speaking on Sky Sports News, said: “It’s very tight I can understand why the assistant didn’t see it. It took a lot of freeze frames and forward and backwards but the ball had just gone out so a correct decision by VAR Chris Kavanagh.”

Hojlund was handed his first United start and Sergio Reguilon made his debut as Brighton visited Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old striker looked promising off the bench at Arsenal and led the line on Saturday, when Reguilon came in at left-back.

Scott McTominay was the other change in place of Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Antony, who was allowed a leave of absence following assault allegations made against him.

Brighton made six alterations as Jason Steele, Tariq Lamptey, Mo Dahoud, Adam Lallana, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra came in. Ansu Fati was among the substitutes.