Manchester United were denied an early penalty in their Premier League match against Fulham, despite referee John Brooks initially awarding it. Matheus Cunha was taken down in the box by defender Jorge Cuenca, resulting in a penalty. However, replays revealed that the Spanish player had tugged at Cunha’s shirt outside the area before making a successful challenge.

After a VAR review, the decision was reversed and a free-kick was awarded instead. Brooks informed the stadium: “After review, the Fulham 15 commits a holding offence outside the penalty area. The final decision is a free kick to Manchester United.” And the Premier League Match Centre posted: “#MUNFUL – 16′ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the on-field decision of penalty to Manchester United. Referee announcement: ‘After review, the Fulham 15 commits a holding offence outside the penalty area. The final decision is a free kick to Manchester United.'”

Commenting on Sky Sports, Alan Smith said: “He certainly pulls him back, just outside the box. Cunha did ever so well to get in ahead of the defender. I just wonder if they would have given a penalty if they thought he could Cunha inside as well as outside the penalty area.”

United didn’t let the overturned decision dampen their spirits, with Casemiro scoring a header from close range from the resulting free-kick. Bruno Fernandes‘ cross, his 11th assist in the Premier League this season, was met by the Brazilian at the far post to give United the lead.

Fulham analysts stationed in the press box at Old Trafford expressed their frustration with how the goal was awarded but some United fans felt the penalty should actually have stood.

Casemiro’s strike means only Arsenal have netted more set-piece goals this season in the Premier League than United. Michael Carrick’s side have found the back of the net three fewer times than the Gunners from dead-ball situations thus far.