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MANCHESTER, England, Sept. 19 (Reuters) – Manchester United’s season began with a surprising 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace when Wilfried Zaha took a double for the visitors in the Premier League on Saturday, though VAR returned to be in the limelight. About repeated grief
United got off pace early on as Andros Townsend put Palace in front after seven minutes, and the home team’s campaign started a week later than originally scheduled due to the season’s Europa League commitments. last until mid-August.
Defense was poor as Victor Lindelof allowed Jeffrey Schlupp to square the ball for Townsend, whose first goal in 20 league games was helped by a loose mark at the far post.
Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay were close for United but could have been two goals behind at halftime, with a superb save from David De Gea preventing a goal from Jordan Ayew.
United brought on teenager Mason Greenwood at halftime, but their task was made more difficult when VAR decided referee Martin Atkinson should consult the pitch monitor and awarded Palace a handball penalty against Lindelof.
Ayew, whose shot was handled by the defender, had his shot from the vantage point brilliantly saved by De Gea. However, the VAR drama was not over, with Atkinson informed that the keeper went off his line and the penalty was repeated, with Zaha converting this time.
New signing Donny van de Beek came off the bench to bring the home team back into the game with a debut goal after a lucky rebound, but former United striker Zaha secured a well-deserved victory for Palace with a good finish. in the end.
“I feel like it’s not a penalty,” United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. “I think the ball comes so close to Victor, where can he put his hands? However, the decision to take it again was the right one if you follow the rules. “
There is a new directive this season to crack down on the invasion of goalkeepers on penalties but, even with VAR on their side twice in quick succession, Palace was worth it for his win, with coach Roy Hodgson full of praise. for Zaha.
“I am very happy for him and for the club,” he said. “He’s worked hard to get strikes when he has opportunities, and that work is showing now.” (Reporting by Peter Hall; Editing by Ken Ferris)
