'Utter disgrace!' - Man Utd fans rage at 'corrupt' VAR after Matthijs de Ligt concedes late penalty & accuse Danny Ings of diving as Premier League release statement on controversial decision during West Ham defeat

Manchester United looked destined for a point against West Ham after coming from behind but in the dying minutes defender Matthijs de Ligt was penalised for fouling Danny Ings in the box. The referee did not initially give a penalty but it was overturned by VAR. A statement from the Premier League match centre clarified the incident, saying: "The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by de Ligt on Ings. The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty."

Manchester United fans were unified on social media that VAR had no right to award a penalty in the moment. One user, @WaftyCrank, posted on X: "Ings is already throwing himself before he gets near De Ligt. Get f*cked."

Another fan, @sterigby7, agreed that it was in fact Ings who should have been penalised. He said: "So Ings handballs the ball, throws himself into De Ligt & west ham get a pen. The most corrupt f*cking officials in the league."

@47kasz added: "Ings was diving into the De Ligt!!! That’s not a penalty."

Some spectators were simply left stunned at the call. @BusbyBulletin posted: "Absolutely disgraceful decision. Ings literally jumps into De Ligt. Embarrassing decision! I can't quite believe it."

@UTDCJ_ opted to post a video of the incident and outline why it should not have been a penalty. He said: "1. Ings runs full speed into De Ligt 2. Clear Ings handball even before the incident. Michael Oliver and VAR are an utter disgrace."

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Even though Man Utd fans will feel hard done by, it was another uninspiring performance from Erik ten Hag's team that leaves them 14th in the table. The Dutchman's job is hanging by a thread and he may see his time at the club come to an end following the dismal start to the campaign.

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The Red Devils march on to Leicester in the Carabao Cup in midweek but question marks remain over who will be leading the side by Wednesday. Having scored just eight goals in the Premier League this season, Manchester United's chances of closing the gap to the top four and returning to the Champions League is already looking like a pipedream.