Vitor Pereira has called for an urgent meeting with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited following a controversial handball decision that handed Manchester United a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager was visibly frustrated after Matheus Cunha scored United's second goal in the second half, despite VAR reviewing a clear handball incident in the build-up involving Bryan Mbeumo.
The flashpoint came when Mbeumo appeared to control the ball with his hands before Cunha finished the chance. VAR official Peter Bankes conducted a lengthy review, but referee Michael Salisbury ultimately allowed the goal to stand. The Premier League Match Centre justified the decision by stating the handball was "accidental," therefore not penalising the goal. Pereira immediately contested this logic, arguing the handball gave Mbeumo an unfair advantage that directly led to Cunha's finish.
Pereira's Frustration Over Rule Inconsistency
Speaking after the defeat, Pereira expressed his bewilderment at the decision-making process: "For me it is handball, very clear but he decides not to cancel the goal." He elaborated on his interpretation of the incident, claiming Mbeumo controlled the ball with his hands and that without this contact, a shot would have been impossible. The Forest boss stopped short of blaming the officials entirely, accepting his duty to respect their judgment while making his opposition clear.
Pereira's broader concern centres on the lack of consistency in handball interpretation across the Premier League this season. He highlighted the need for all managers to understand the rules through a formal meeting with PGMOL: "This is the doubt we have in the Premier League at the moment about the decisions. I think it is important to have a meeting with everybody and try to understand the rules."
Neville's Supporting Commentary
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, commentating for Sky Sports, shared Pereira's assessment. Neville said he would be "surprised" if the goal stood and described the handball as "as clear as that." He criticised the VAR process itself, questioning why officials reviewed the incident multiple times without intervening: "I don't understand why they were looking at that so many times." Neville's commentary reinforced doubts about how handball rulings are being applied in top-flight football.
This incident adds to growing frustration among Premier League managers over handball rule clarity. With multiple high-profile decisions questioned this season, Pereira's call for a summit between PGMOL and club leadership reflects a genuine need for alignment across the competition. Nottingham Forest face further challenges ahead, and consistency in officiating will remain a critical talking point as the season progresses.
