Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, expressed frustration over the length of time it took for a decision to be made over the contentious VAR call that cost the Reds the first goal against Fulham.

Scott McTominay’s goal and VAR’s decision to overturn it for offside separated by four minutes. Harry Maguire was judged to have interfered with play during the build-up, stopping Alejandro Garnacho from knocking the ball back for the goal.

Nevertheless, it was determined that the issue of whether or not Maguire interfered was “subjective,” thus referee John Brooks was summoned to the monitor to make the decision. Erik ten Hag and the other supporters were incensed by the umpires’ call, but Ferdinand thought the choice was the right one.

“It was a tedious first half,” he said to TNT Sports. Although Fulham has had some excellent opportunities, the [offside] ruling has undoubtedly been the main talking point. It’s been a really slow watch.”Isn’t the on-field determination merely VAR transferring the blame? Just decide on it, that’s actually all that’s involved.

“In the end, it’s the right decision and Harry Maguire does influence the defender’s decision, his position as well maybe so I think it was the correct decision in the end.” Joe Cole continued, saying: “They got it right, but we’ve seen the disaster at Spurs versus Liverpool recently.

The fact that Maguire is offside and then makes an attempt makes it a really difficult scenario. For a moment, though, consider the pressure that VAR is currently under. We have had 35 to 40 minutes to decide, and while it took them four minutes, they did it correctly.”