THE handball rules were at the centre of debate once more as Harry Maguire helped give Manchester United a 2-1 lead against Ipswich.

The centre back marauded forward after winning the ball back and fired an effort across the box that was deflected home by Jacob Greaves for an own goal.

Britain Premier League SoccerHarry Maguire celebrates putting Man United 2-1 up in controversial fashion Credit: AP

VAR say because Maguire’s shot was off target the handball can’t cancel out the goal unless Maguire shoots on target and scores himself…

WHAT?😭❌ pic.twitter.com/3UruIJzMoc https://t.co/YOrRmT7FTN

— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) August 30, 2026

The ball appeared to hit Maguire’s hand when he won it back, but because he is not the actual goalscorer, the goal is allowed to stand.

Only if Maguire had directly benefited from the handball and scored himself would the free-kick have been given and the goal ruled out.

Many would quite rightly argue that Maguire certainly did benefit from the handball!

It was a dogged affair up until that point with Ipswich taking the elad through their left-back Leif Davis.

However, Bruno Fernandes capitalised on a mistake to race through to equalise before half-time.

After managed one of the misses of the decade to put United in front, Maguire’s deflected effort got the job done.

Fernandes went on to score his hat-trick to put United 4-1 up with 20 minutes still to play.