A controversial decision surrounding a goal scored by Matheus Cunha in Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday sparked widespread criticism from pundits and the opposing manager.

The incident occurred when Cunha fired United into the lead at Old Trafford, but replays immediately suggested a potential handball by Bryan Mbeumo in the build-up to the goal.

The sequence began with a cross into the box that deflected off a Forest defender.

Critically, replays showed the ball making contact with Mbeumo's arm before he took an effort on goal.

Although Mbeumo's shot was blocked, the ball sat up perfectly for Cunha, who subsequently struck it home with a powerful finish.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, asking referee Michael Salisbury to review the incident using the pitchside monitor.

Despite the VAR's recommendation, the referee ultimately deemed the handball to be accidental and allowed the goal to stand.

The decision drew immediate and strong condemnation from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who described it as an "absolute shocker in every single way."

Neville expressed his disbelief, stating, "Honestly, that is ridiculous, the amount of time that's taken. The VAR had been quite clear to the referee.

They said, this should be disallowed. He's handballed it, he's controlled it with his arm and he's brought it into play.

The referee has gone over to that screen and overruled VAR. I can't believe what I've seen, I'll be really honest."

Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira was equally distraught by the call, lamenting that the game was decided by a decision he had to accept but strongly disagreed with.

"It's a pity the game was decided by a decision I must accept because it's the decision of the referee, but it's not my opinion," Pereira stated.

"For me, it's handball. Very clear but he decided not to cancel the goal. It was the decision that decided the game."

He also highlighted the potential severity of the situation had Forest desperately needed the points for safety.

Neville's sentiments were echoed by fellow Sky Sports analysts Micah Richards and Roy Keane.

Richards emphatically declared, "It's handball, it's as simple as that. We talk about VAR all the time. The referee has gone to the screen, he's made a decision, but it's clear as day."

Keane added to the chorus of confusion, stating, "We were all scratching our heads when it was allowed.

We're confused ourselves here, especially when he gets asked to go and look at the screen, and then to give it. Ex-footballers, we'll all be saying the same, it's a handball and I don't think anyone would have complained about it."

The widespread consensus among the pundits was that the goal should have been disallowed, making the referee's final decision a major talking point following the match.