Ten Hag could get unlikely VAR wish after controversial Man Utd incidents

10 November 2023 , 22:55

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Ten Hag could get unlikely VAR wish after controversial Man Utd incidents

The Premier League are contemplating altering the cameras they use for VAR - a matter of days after Erik ten Hag bemoaned the technology following Manchester United's defeat against Copenhagen.

The Dutchman was unhappy with several decisions and how VAR was operated during United's Champions League game on Wednesday. The Red Devils were in full control at Parken Stadium, before Marcus Rashford was sent off and Copenhagen went on to win the match 4-3 in dramatic circumstances.

Speaking after the match, Ten Hag said: "It's clear: we are very disappointed, we started the game so well – the best 10 minutes of the season – we are winning the game and the red card changes everything. We concede two goals before half-time which should never count.

"The first is offside, the second a penalty – but it's so close and the hand is in such a normal position. The red card is harsh, he (Rashford) went for the ball and the referee needed a long time (to decide). When you freeze, it always looks worse.

"I'm very disappointed about such decisions. The game is never meant to be like this – this has nothing to do with football. Decisions have to be made and I accept wrong decisions are also made at this level. Three such tough decisions when you control the game."

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Now, according to the Daily Mail, the Premier League are looking at possibly replacing Hawk-Eye with a different camera operator. This is something that could help the referees and VAR after a catalogue of errors from the technology so far this season. Hawk-Eye's current contract expires at the end of next season and the operators have controlled VAR camera angles since VAR was brought into English football in 2019.

Erik ten Hag was furious with VAR after Manchester United's defeat against Copenhagen (Getty Images)

Hawk-Eye also takes care of goal-technology which has been used in the Premier League since 2014. That particular system has been largely successful, though its most notable error came during Aston Villa's goalless draw against Sheffield United in June 2020, where it failed to spot Orjan Nyland carrying the ball over the line. Controversially, Villa managed to survive relegation by a point.

As for United, Ten Hag was frustrated with VAR and the officials following United's defeat against Arsenal back in September. "I thought we played a very good game but everything went against us - then you don't win the game," he said at the time.

"We needed a little bit more luck to win the game. It was not offside [for Alejandro Garnacho's goal]. It was the wrong angle. It was then a penalty on (Rasmus) Hojlund and then we concede a goal that's a foul on Jonny Evans. It's so clear and obvious."

Kieran King