Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sharply criticized the Premier League’s VAR system after a controversial penalty decision played a key role in United’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham. The contentious call, which came late in the match, sparked Ten Hag’s frustration as he accused VAR officials and referee David Coote of lacking the necessary “personality” to make a firm decision.
The incident occurred when United defender Matthijs de Ligt made contact with West Ham’s Danny Ings, leading referee Coote to initially allow play to continue. However, VAR official Michael Oliver recommended a review, resulting in a penalty that Jarrod Bowen converted in the 92nd minute, handing Manchester United their fourth league defeat of the season.
According to the Premier League Match Centre, Oliver deemed the contact on Ings’ lower leg sufficient to warrant a review. Ten Hag, however, was incensed by the decision, arguing that the ‘referee’s call’ principle, which aims to give preference to the on-field decision in marginal cases, was misapplied. Many United supporters echoed his frustration, feeling that the VAR intervention had unfairly tilted the game in West Ham’s favor at a crucial stage.
Clearly frustrated, Ten Hag remarked, “Football isn’t always fair, and today was one of those days. VAR is meant to address clear and obvious errors, but that standard wasn’t met today.” He argued that VAR should only intervene in “blatant” situations and noted a similar scenario in a recent match against Tottenham Hotspur, where VAR did not intervene on a significant decision. Ten Hag emphasized that his issue was with the VAR process itself rather than with any individual official.
He also pointed out the extended deliberation, as Coote took three minutes to reach a decision. Ten Hag stated, “In high-stakes moments, officials need the courage to stick with the right decision. The VAR process needs refinement, but those responsible must be ready to make decisive calls.”
Adding to United’s frustration was their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Diogo Dalot missed an open goal, the team hit the crossbar twice, and several clear chances went unconverted in the first half.
Crysencio Summerville had given West Ham the lead in the 74th minute, and despite United’s persistent efforts, an equalizer proved elusive. With just eight goals in nine games and a negative goal difference, the team’s poor finishing has become a major concern.
Despite his criticism of the officiating, Ten Hag was encouraged by his team’s overall performance, praising their structure, control, and the quality of chances created. He called for composure and consistency, confident that better finishing would eventually translate into points. The controversial loss increases pressure on Ten Hag, but he remains steadfast in his belief that United’s dominance will soon be reflected in their results.
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