Maguire’s handball not penalised as United keep Ipswich lead

Harry Maguire handled the ball in the build‑up to Manchester United’s second goal against Ipswich Town, but the goal stood after a VAR review. The defender gathered the ball, struck towards goal and, after missing the target, his effort ricocheted off Jacob Graves, resulting in an own‑goal that gave United the lead at Old Trafford.

The Premier League match centre confirmed the decision, stating that VAR checked the referee’s call and deemed Maguire was not the immediate scorer following an accidental handball. The official wording classified the incident as an accidental handball that does not merit a punishment, and therefore the goal was awarded as an own goal.

The incident sparked discussion about the handball rule, which defines an offence when a player scores directly from their hand or arm, even if accidental, or immediately after the ball has touched their hand or arm. Gary Neville later suggested the rule may need review, noting the unusual circumstance that the handball did not directly produce the goal.

Manchester United went on to extend their lead, with Bruno Fernandes adding two further strikes to complete a 4‑1 victory, and Bryan Mbeumo sealing a fifth goal later in the match. The result marked United’s first points of the 2026/27 season.