VAR reviewed and cleared Manchester United's second-half penalty appeal, leaving United frustrated during Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester City.

United striker Rasmus Højlund went to ground following a challenge from City captain Rúben Dias as he controlled the ball in the penalty area. Dias appeared to step across the Danish forward, seemingly making contact with his right knee, but referee Anthony Taylor waved play on.

City, aiming to close the gap to within six points of the Premier League leaders, took the lead when Joško Gvardiol evaded his marker to head past André Onana. United, who posed little threat to their local rivals in the first half, showed improvement after the break. Their best chance fell to captain Bruno Fernandes, who narrowly flicked his effort wide of the post.

The match, however, ignited in its closing moments. Substitute Amad Diallo capitalised on Matheus Nunes’ misplaced pass before being brought down by the Portuguese midfielder. Minutes later, Amad made another decisive run behind the defence to complete the comeback for United.

Following the penalty incident, the Premier League’s match centre tweeted: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Højlund and Dias was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming it as normal contact.”

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville argued that the penalty claims were valid but was countered by former Premier League referee Mike Dean. Neville remarked: “That was clumsy, that we do know. It might just have been a coming together as they both tried to get the ball. Dias just seemed to step across the United striker. Hmm...Mike? Left leg has come across his...”

Dean responded by siding with the referee’s decision: “His left leg has come across, but I think they are both moving toward the ball. I think it’s clumsy more than anything, just a natural coming together in my opinion. Correct decision by the referee.”

Dean added: “I don’t think that’s enough to warrant a penalty, not in a game like this. It’s the referee’s call on the day, and I think he has called it correctly. VAR simply confirmed his decision.”