The Premier League have issued a statement explaining why Benjamin Sesko’s goal for Manchester United against Liverpool was allowed to stand despite handball appeals.
Man United raced into the lead after just six minutes with Matheus Cunha marking his return from injury with a goal.
Less than ten minutes later, Man United were celebrating again after Sesko had bundled the ball over the line after Bruno Fernandes’ cushioned header had taken a deflection off Freddie Woodman before hitting the Slovenia international.
There were suggestions that the ball touched Sesko’s fingers before crossing the line, leaving United on the brink of sealing Champions League qualification.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot led the appeals for the visitors on the touchline, but following a VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand, thus giving the Reds a massive mountain to climb at Old Trafford.
The Premier League’s Match Centre have now confirmed that the goal was allowed to stand because “there was no conclusive evidence” of handball by Sesko.
A statement reads: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring.”
"I don't think you want them goals getting cancelled"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 3, 2026
Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge analyse Benjamin Šeško's goal against Liverpool 🔍 pic.twitter.com/aWJyby8lX9
Liverpool trailed 2-0 at the break but pulled one back early in the second half thanks to a fine run and finish from Dominik Szoboszlai and then equalised through Cody Gakpo.
Slot’s side arrived in Manchester missing a number of senior players, including Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker and Alexander Isak.
“I don’t think, in general, it is a surprise that after a win we pick up injuries. It has happened so many times this season that no one can be surprised that it happened again,” Slot said.
“With Alex, it wasn’t much but unfortunately, it was too much for him to be able to play.
“Alisson hasn’t trained with us yet, so that makes it quite simple. We are hoping for him to be ready next week but we have to wait and see how the week will go.
“The same can be said about Alex. We are hoping to have him back next week but that is small margins.”
