Solskjaer: We have to get used to VAR

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he was surprised that VAR failed to intervene to award more penalties in Manchester United’s defeat to Crystal Palace.

United were given one spot-kick in the 2-1 loss, which Marcus Rashford agonisingly struck against the post, after Scott McTominay was tripped in the box by Palace captain Luka Milivojevic.

However, when speaking to MUTV and in his post-match press conference, Ole opined that other incidents should have resulted in penalties.

“There were a few other [penalties we should have been given], definitely.

“I think we were unlucky with the [Anthony] Martial one as we felt it was a clear and obvious penalty, a nailed-on one.”

Referring to the incident that saw the French forward seemingly brought down in the box by Martin Kelly, the United manager spoke of his surprise that VAR wasn’t used to review the potential foul.

“I am surprised [VAR didn’t intervene] because it was definitely a nailed-on penalty. He will not slip if he doesn’t have a 100kg centre-back on his shoulders.”

The Norwegian also claimed that Palace defender Gary Cahill should have been shown a straight red card, rather than the yellow he did receive, after bringing down Martial in the first half.

“I don’t want to go on about decisions all the time, but he was clear and through on goal, one-on-one, and [the foul] stops a goalscoring opportunity. For me, it is no doubt.”

VAR is a new addition to this season’s Premier League, and has been a hot topic of debate with managers and pundits alike questioning some of the decisions and consistencies around the use of the technology.

However, when asked if VAR is potentially harmful to the game, the United manager stated his belief that clubs need to become accustomed to the system.

“We have to get used to it. There will be discussions because it’s the same referees making those decisions, just in a different room down at Stockley Park.

“Sometimes, I think they are making wrong decisions and sometimes they’ve done well. It will work itself out and find its way.”