The little-known Premier League rule that enabled Manchester United’s second goal against Ipswich Town to stand has now been explained.
After suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City in their opening Premier League fixture, Manchester United responded emphatically in their first home game of the campaign.
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United ran riot at Old Trafford, with captain Bruno Fernandes completing a hat-trick, Jacob Greaves turning the ball into his own net and Bryan Mbeumo also getting on the scoresheet as the hosts cruised to a 5-2 victory over Ipswich.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, the game was not without controversy, particularly surrounding United’s second goal, which came following an incident involving Harry Maguire.
The England international initially appeared to have put United in front, but a VAR review showed that the ball had struck his hand before ending up in the net.
— Clips (@ClipsfromBase) August 30, 2026
Following an extended review, however, the goal was allowed to stand because the ball had ultimately gone in off Ipswich defender Greaves, meaning it was recorded as an own goal.
The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision on X, stating: “The referee’s call of goal for Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maguire was not the immediate goalscorer after an accidental handball.
“VAR: “It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.”
Under this particular rule, if Maguire had been deemed the direct goalscorer after benefiting from the accidental handball, the goal would have been disallowed and Ipswich would have been awarded a free-kick.
However, because Greaves was the player who ultimately put the ball into his own net, United were allowed to keep the goal, giving them the boost they needed to continue their impressive performance.
Greaves’ own goal was followed by Fernandes’ second of the evening, with the United captain converting from the penalty spot after Matheus Cunha was fouled inside the box to make it 3-1.
Fernandes then completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute when he calmly found the bottom corner, before Mbeumo added a fifth to cap a memorable night for the Red Devils.
Ipswich managed to reduce the deficit late on when substitute Chuba Akpom tapped home from close range following Julio Enciso’s assist, although the late consolation could do little to change the outcome.
Maguire addressed the controversial incident shortly after the final whistle when he spoke to Sky Sports about United’s performance and was asked about his involvement in the second goal.
“I haven’t seen it back, so I can’t really comment. I know it was tight. It wasn’t handball on purpose,” he said.
“I dragged the shot wide, and I think that’s why it stood. It’s a new rule. We deserved that win and that bit of luck.”
Reflecting on United’s overall display, Maguire added: “We started the game really well. The goal knocked us back a lot.
“When you lose at this club, there’s a lot of noise and you feel like you’re in a crisis again.
“We spoke about it at half-time. We proved we could’ve got more…
“Last week was disappointing. We prepared all pre-season for the game against Hull.
“Thankfully, we managed to get the three points. It’s a long season, and we’ll be READY for the next one.”
Manchester United will now turn their attention to their next Premier League fixture against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium before opening their Champions League campaign against Azerbaijan’s Sabah at Old Trafford.
