Why the Harry Maguire handball own goal was allowed to stand for Manchester United vs Ipswich Town

With the score locked at 1-1 early in the second half a huge moment arrived for Manchester United against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, and a big decision needs some explaining as it will be deemed by many as being extremely controversial. But it was a decision made correctly given the rules which have to be followed. Stick with us here. There is a lot to go through. What happened? The ball was cleared by Ipswich's Chuba Akpom against Harry Maguire's raised arms on the edge of the box and clearly hit Maguire's hand. Played continued as nothing was given by referee Craig Pawson on the pitch. Maguire went on to smash a shot towards goal which deflected off of Jacob Greaves and went in to put United 2-1 up. Why did Harry Maguire’s goal stand for Manchester United? VAR checked the goal and essentially because Maguire's effort was off target and then hit Greaves last before going in, the ruling of 'accidental handball' was not punished and the goal stood. So, if Maguire's shot had been on target and gone straight in without touching anybody else, the goal would have been ruled out. Here's the incident and goal at the center of all this. A Harry Maguire strike and its ruled an own goal Man United take charge of a one score lead Man United: 2 ⚪️ Ipswich Town: 1 ⏱️ 56’ pic.twitter.com/G3r5Jp6f4C — USA Sports (@usasports) August 30, 2026 Premier League statement, VAR ruling on Manchester United’s second goal vs Ipswich "The referee’s call of goal for Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maguire was not the immediate goalscorer after an accidental handball. "VAR: 'It's an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.'