Goalline Technology Proving Welcome For Reds

The Premier League’s Goal Decision System has proved to be a useful tool on numerous occasions since its introduction last year, extinguishing doubt and controversy over whether the ball has crossed the line.

Where Manchester United are concerned, aggrieved supporters, players and managers amongst others have been highlighting such technology as an absolute necessity for some time and fans of every club can point to an occasion where they have been wronged.

GDS’s inception had barely affected the Reds prior to last week, but it has since been a blessing for Louis van Gaal’s men on two occasions in quick succession, ensuring the confirmation of important moments in significant victories that have helped boost the campaign at a vital time.

When Hull City visited Old Trafford last weekend, Chris Smalling was the first joyous recipient of a video-confirmed goalline decision to United’s benefit. After seeing his header across Allan McGregor’s net palmed back into his path, his side-footed follow-up crept over the goalkeeper’s line before it was frantically pushed away.

A tense momentary wait soon turned into delight, as the Reds were afforded the chance to celebrate the first of two GDS reviews concerning the side in four days.

“I didn’t think it was over the line initially,” a relieved Smalling said after the game. To the despair of many teams over the years, similar doubts have sometimes entered into the minds of officials who have then given decisions that have proved to be wrong when reviewed on television.

There was no time for celebration on Tuesday night in the aftermath of another United incident that required scrutiny. Having been comfortable for large parts of the clash with the Tigers, the hosts’ defence had to weather a late storm before questions were raised once again over whether a ball had crossed the same line Smalling had previously breached.

David De Gea, arguably the Reds’ star performer in 2014/15, prevented Marko Arnautovic before Ashley Young displayed his defensive capabilities when filling in for left-back Luke Shaw with a heroic last-ditch clearance to thwart former United striker Mame Biram Diouf.

While a hint of doubt briefly remained in the Theatre of Dreams over whether Young’s efforts were sufficient, any scepticism was soon removed – a new, fair and a somewhat cleansing feeling for United fans. Where debates previously ruled over goalline queries, there is now an overdue, clear-cut solution that has restored balance over one of football’s issues.