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Aston Villa captain John McGinn has slammed the "incredible" decision to rule out Morgan Rogers goal at Old Trafford during the 2-0 defeat which cost the visitors a spot in the Champions League.
Despite being reduced to 10 players after Emiliano Martinez's red card before half-time, Villa thought they had taken the lead with 17 minutes to go when Rogers poked the ball away from goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and curled his effort home.
However, the goal was quickly ruled out by referee Thomas Bramall for an alleged foul on Bayandir, with the whistle being blown prior to the ball crossing the line.
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How the incident unfolded
Villa were down to 10 after Emi Martinez's red card late in the first half, but thought they went ahead midway through the second with the game still at 0-0.
Under little pressure, Man Utd keeper Altay Bayindir made a mess of sliding onto the ball in his box. Villa's Morgan Rogers dislodged the ball before swivelling and firing into the empty net, seemingly giving the visitors the lead. At the time, the goal would have seen Villa climb into the Champions League places with less than 20 minutes left on the final day of the season.
The goal was disallowed by referee Thomas Bramall, who adjudged Rogers to have kicked the ball out of Bayindir's grasp. However, replays show the United 'keeper had lost possession before Rogers' intervention.
Because Bramall blew the whistle before the goal was scored, VAR could not intervene and the goal did not stand.
Replays showed Bayindir did not have full possession of the ball when Rogers poked it free, but due to the whistle already being blown, VAR was unable to intervene.
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"The referee's call was a free-kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession,' read a Premier League match centre statement on X.
"The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR."
Amad Diallo would then go on to score three minutes later before Christian Eriksen doubled the advantage for United from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.
The loss meant Villa missed out on Champions League qualification on goal difference, while a point would have been enough to lift them into fifth following Newcastle's 1-0 defeat to Everton.
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Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, McGinn said: "Tough to take, especially in the circumstances.
"No one in the dressing room or watching felt like we deserved to win. Man Utd were the better team but the decision is incredible.
"Everyone, when VAR was implemented, wanted correct decisions. I know it is the rule but it is so hard to take, especially with the impact it has on us.
"To whistle at that point, it is hard to take. All you need is a point to get into Champions League.
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