Ex-referee Gallagher gives definitive verdict on two key United incidents

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has applauded the decision to allow Lukas Nmecha's goal against Aston Villa during Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

- by Kyle Newbould

Nmecha opened the scoring inside eight minutes at Elland Road on Sunday after Ezri Konsa's goal-line clearance ricocheted off his leg and into the net.

Gabriel Gudmundsson hooked Sean Longstaff's free-kick back into a dangerous area and Anton Stach initially rose highest to beat Emi Martinez to the ball, his header cleared by Konsa but only into the Leeds striker.

There was a lengthy delay to celebrations as VAR checked three separate incidents, with offside decisions needed on Gudmundsson and Nmecha in the buildup.

Villa also wanted a free-kick for what they felt was a foul on Martinez by Stach, but the goal was eventually given and Gallagher believes it was the correct call.