Man United took on Brighton in the early kick-off on Matchday 3 of the Premier League. Following their 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, the Red Devils were in need of a win and while they came away from it with just that, triumphing 3-2, the Saturday clash turned into a controversial showdown.
Solskjaer's men were unimpressive from the get-go and after 40 minutes, the Seagulls took a deserved lead, scoring via a penalty. Three minutes later, Man Utd found the equalizer and in the 55th minute, they went 2-1 up thanks to a moment of magic from Marcus Rashford. Despite this, the Red Devils had their backs against the ropes for the majority of the game as Graham Potter's men were by far the better side.
The Seagulls hit the post a whopping five times but found the equalizer just before the 95th minute. Given that only five minutes were added, the home side understandably presumed the Solly March header that beat De Gea was enough to earn them a point. Unfortunately, the referee let the game continue, resulting in Man Utd winning a corner. Here's where the controversy began.
The visitor were permitted to take the corner, with Maguire managing to get off a header that was deflected by the hand of Maupay. The ball was eventually cleared and the referee blew for the final whistle but was immediately swarmed by Man Utd players demanding a penalty. A quick look by VAR spotted the incident and the match official was thus called in to review the incident.
Watch the incident unfold (video may be unavailable due to geo-restrictions)
90' Solly March
— VBET UK (@VBET_uk) September 26, 2020
FT: Brighton 2-2 Manchester United
Penalty Awarded by VAR
100' Bruno Fernandes
FT: Brighton 2-3 Manchester United
Insane ending.
pic.twitter.com/O3TF0xJyxE
WOW
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 26, 2020
Bruno Fernandes wins it for United with a penalty kick at the end of the match! #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/HscmgBNSLn
Chris Kavanagh, who was the ref for the game, restarted the match despite calling for full-time and awarded Solskjaer's side the penalty. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and did what he does best by converting the spot kick, thus winning the match.
The Brighton players were understandably upset. As for social media, it was set on fire after this controversial decision. Check out the best tweets below.
Fitting really, that the first penalty ever awarded after the final whistle should go to Manchester United.
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) September 26, 2020
Football is eating itself....!
Only Manchester United can get a penalty when the game isn't even being played anymore #BHAMUN
— ftballmood (@anantahutabarat) September 26, 2020
BRIGHTON pic.twitter.com/dlMH51mkCC
How do you award a penalty after blowing the final whistle???? You see why they don't rate this league? Farmers League! VAR nonsense. Stupid Referees. Shitty match fixing lots.
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) September 26, 2020
Man United were awarded a penalty AFTER the FT whistle and Bruno Fernandes won it for them in the 100th minute! pic.twitter.com/uWDggklYfk
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 26, 2020
VAR penalty after final whistle? Lol. Man United have unlocked another cheat level.
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) September 26, 2020
95th minute: Solly March makes it 2-2
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 26, 2020
100th minute: Bruno Fernandes scores the winning penalty for Manchester United
Stoppage time was wild. pic.twitter.com/uIkg0gK16T