The own goal stood despite Harry Maguire handling in the immediate build-up (Picture: Sky Sports) There was a moment of controversy and confusion in Manchester United’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich after the hosts were awarded a second goal – despite Harry Maguire clearly handling the ball in the build-up. After suffering a dismal 2-0 defeat to Hull in their opener, there was more frustration for the Red Devils as Leif Davis struck on the half-hour mark to silence Old Trafford. Fernandes dragged United back with a sublime equaliser shortly before the break, though, setting the stage for an intriguing second half between Michael Carrick’s men and the Premier League new boys. The hugely contentious incident arrived in the 56th minute as Maguire drilled a low shot through a crowd of bodies to cue rapturous scenes at the Theatre of Dreams. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. However, replays showed Maguire handle the ball before taking his strike, which took a hefty deflection off Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves to end up in the corner of Kjell Scherpen’s goal. After a lengthy VAR check, Jarred Gillett confirmed to referee Craig Pawson that the goal should stand – a decision which has left Brighton supporters enraged across social media. ‘It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal,’ Gillett stated. There were wild celebrations as the own goal was awarded (Picture: Getty) #MUNIPS – 56’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…— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 30, 2026 A tweet from the Premier League Match Centre added: ‘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.’ After their early scare, United would go on to win the contest with some ease as club captain Fernandes converted from the penalty spot before netting again to complete a brilliant hat-trick in the 68th minute. The Portuguese then turned provider with an exquisite assist for Bryan Mbeumo to further increase the deficit and put the game to bed with eight minutes remaining of normal time. Chuba Akpom scored a stoppage-time consolation to give Ipswich’s travelling support something to cheer about at the death on a rain-drenched evening in Manchester. Premier League explain why Man Utd's second goal stood The considerations for accidental handball before a goal is scored: Speaking to Sky Sports shortly after the final whistle, Maguire suggested United ‘deserved’ some luck with their much-improved performance. Asked about the controversial own goal, the United and England centre-back said: ‘I haven’t seen it back, so I can’t really comment. I know it was tight. ‘It wasn’t handball on purpose. I dragged the shot wide and I think that’s why it stood. It’s a new rule. We deserved that win and that bit of luck. ‘Last week was disappointing. We prepared all pre-season for the game against Hull. Thankfully, we managed to get the three points. ‘It’s a long season and we’ll be ready for the next one.’ Fernandes inspired United to victory at the Theatre of Dreams (Picture: Getty) Maguire was pleased with the spirit United showed to fight back after going behind midway through the first half. ‘We started the game really well. The goal knocked us back a lot,’ he added. ‘When you lose at this club, there’s a lot of noise and you feel like you’re in a crisis again. ‘We spoke about it at half-time. We proved we could have got more.’ United will look to pick up where they left off when they return to action away to David Moyes’ Everton in a week’s time. The result moves the Red Devil