Premier League confirm what Erik ten Hag knew all along at Man United after VAR controversy

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Premier League bosses have claimed that video assistant referee (VAR) errors are down from the previous year - but admit one of the mistakes came during Manchester United's impactful 2-1 defeat at West Ham in October.

That loss proved to be the final match in Erik ten Hag's tenure at Old Trafford as he was sacked with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League. It was confirmed that there have been 13 mistakes so far this term, down from 20 at the same stage of last season with four incorrect interventions and nine missed opportunities in the opening 23 rounds of fixtures.

The Hammers' controversial winner proved to be the final straw in the Dutchman's two-and-a-half year spell in the north west. West Ham were handed the chance to seal a late win from the spot, when it was adjudged that Danny Ings was brought down by Matthijs de Ligt and - despite play continuing - VAR official Michael Oliver advised David Coote to review the incident.

Referees chief Howard Webb later admitted that it was the wrong decision to penalise the United defender. He said: "I thought it was a misread by the VAR.

"A VAR that is normally really talented and reliable but gets uber-focused - in this situation - on De Ligt's leg. His leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball is already past De Ligt as he makes contact with Danny Ings - and the VAR sees that as a clear foul.

"I think he was too focused on that aspect. I don't think that he should have got involved. I think this is a situation where we would leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it is called. On balance, I don't think it is a penalty kick."

Ten Hag, who was sacked in the aftermath, said after the incident: "It was unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty. It was so difficult to see. Before the season, there was the instruction about VAR - and only interfering in clear and obvious mistakes.

"That is definitely not a clear and obvious mistake from the on-field referee. "More frustrations, but I can do nothing with that. They don't collect points and that's what we have to do.

"I spoke with them [the officials]. But the decision is made. There's no way back and that's football. That's the third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team, and on our scores, and where we are in the table. It's not right."

Moving forward, it has now been suggested that there has been an increase in accuracy surrounding 'Key Match Incidents' from 95.7 per cent to 96.4 per cent. As quoted by BBC Sport, Premier League chief football officer, Tony Scholes, said: "Nobody here underestimates the significance and the impact of one single error.

"We know that one single error can cost clubs. Points and results can cost managers positions, potentially players their place."

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