Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Top referee says Manchester United incident vs Burnley shows why VAR should change

A decision that cost Raphael Varane his first Manchester United goal has sparked calls for VAR change.

During an encouraging opening against Burnley in their most-recent Premier League game, United saw two goals ruled out - one after intervention from the much-maligned video replay system.

Paul Pogba did put United in front on 18 minutes with a sharp finish.

However, either side of that strike from the World Cup winner, France teammate Varane nodded past Nick Pope and Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill turned into his own net, but the rock-bottom Clarets were handed a double reprieve before equalising upon the restart.

From a United perspective, those two refereeing decisions cost them dearly at Turf Moor.

Harry Maguire was deemed the guilty party for the first of those as he blocked Jay Rodriguez at a set-piece.

Despite some controversy at the time, United have been told that was the right call, but the process needs to be adjusted to include a VAR time limit.

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-FIFA and Premier League referee Keith Hackett said: "It's the correct call, but loses its value when a decision takes so long. I'm almost getting to the point where I'm thinking VAR should be timed.

"I already think VAR should be at the ground and there should be a post-match review.

Do you think VAR should be timed? Have your say in the comments section below.

"I just think there needs to be a time on it, whether it's 15 seconds or 30 seconds, then it's gone.

"If you can't make your mind up, the decision stands. Long pauses cause everyone to doubt themselves - including referees. This was an easy decision that took far too long to confirm.

"Hopefully this is another example that could change the law in future."

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.