Steve Cooper voiced his frustration over Manchester United’s controversial second goal in their 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The hosts took an early lead with a stunning strike from midfielder Casemiro, yet it was United’s second goal that sparked uproar.
Diogo Dalot found space behind Leicester’s defence, delivering a cross to Alejandro Garnacho, who slotted the ball home.
However, replays showed Dalot was clearly offside, sparking immediate protests from Cooper, who was subsequently booked for his reaction.
Notably, there was no VAR available for this cup fixture, a factor that only intensified Cooper’s frustration.
After the game, Cooper did not hold back, lambasting the officiating in his post-match comments.
“I think anybody who wasn’t here tonight looks at the scores and probably thinks it was a dominant, comfortable result for United,” Cooper remarked.
“But it was anything but that. We conceded five goals, but the circumstances around each goal: a brilliant strike from Casemiro, a really, really poor linesman decision for the second goal. The third and fourth, deflections from set-pieces, and then a hand away for the fifth goal.”
Pressed further on the contentious decision surrounding United’s second, Cooper added:
“Maybe there is a bit of sympathy for the linesman, he is a Premier League linesman, he is used to the protection of VAR. He can’t make a mistake like that. Big moment in the game.”
In a match that could have been much closer, Cooper felt the decision was pivotal.
“We scored soon after; it should have been 1-1, instead it is 2-1. The referee’s enjoyed giving me a yellow card as well. He looked like he had a good time tonight. That was that. But I want to stand up for my team. You can’t just see an image on the bench and just accept it.”
Leicester’s manager made it clear he felt his side was unfairly treated, a factor he believes influenced the final outcome.