United CB Harry Maguire blames this personnel for altering the cause of the game in favor of Chelsea.

In a Premier League season already riddled with controversial refereeing, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire has once again brought attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness and fairness of VAR. Following United’s narrow 1-0 loss to Chelsea, Maguire was visibly upset after seeing a potential opening goal ruled out in what he believes was a blatant mistake.

The contentious moment came in the 16th minute when Maguire found the back of the net with a composed finish in the box. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review judged him offside—by the slimmest of margins, with the officials basing their call on the position of his knee and foot. What sparked outrage among fans was the suspicion that the offside lines were drawn using the wrong Chelsea defender. Many insisted that Marc Cucurella was the last man, which would have placed Maguire onside.

Reacting after the match, Maguire expressed deep frustration and anger, accusing both Chelsea and the league of orchestrating an unfair outcome. “I thought we’ve seen it all, but I guess we were wrong… This is just another scheme fabricated by Chelsea and the board to let us lose today. When is there any fairness in this league?” he said, calling into question the integrity of officiating in England’s top flight.

This isn’t the first time Maguire has clashed with VAR decisions. In a prior fixture against West Brom, he slammed the reversal of a penalty call, insisting the contact was sufficient and that the decision to send the referee to the monitor was unnecessary. His repeated criticisms highlight a growing concern within the United camp about the role technology plays in determining key moments in games.

Supporters and analysts alike have started to question the consistency and transparency of VAR decisions, especially as Manchester United appear to be on the receiving end of more than their fair share of contentious calls. Many argue that the system, while designed to bring accuracy, is failing due to poor implementation and questionable judgment calls.

Maguire’s comments also shine a light on the emotional and psychological strain these moments place on players. He’s previously spoken about accountability on the pitch, urging teammates to take responsibility. But his latest remarks suggest a tipping point—where the perceived injustice becomes too much to ignore.

With pressure mounting, the Premier League may find itself forced to take a closer look at how VAR is being applied. Calls for reform are growing louder, with some demanding the use of semi-automated offside technology or public release of VAR audio, as seen in other leagues.

Maguire’s comments may draw disciplinary action from football authorities due to the severity of his allegations, which imply favoritism or even collusion. If that happens, it could deepen the divide between players and the Premier League’s governing bodies. At the same time, Manchester United may either publicly support their defender or urge restraint to avoid further tension.

As this incident continues to spark debate across the footballing world, it underscores a growing demand for change. Whether that change will come swiftly remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: VAR remains one of the most divisive elements in the modern game, and Harry Maguire’s words have once again put it at the center of attention.