Shearer hits the nail on the head over Man Utd controversy in Aston Villa win

Alan Shearer weighed in on the issue of using VAR in the FA Cup after Manchester United benefited from the technology in their victory over Aston Villa while others did not

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Manchester United v Aston Villa: Pictures

Alan Shearer summed up fears over a lack of integrity in the FA Cup after Manchester United secured a narrow victory over Aston Villa on Monday night.

The Red Devils progressed to the fourth round thanks to an early header from Scott McTominay, but they were second best for much of the match and fortunate not to concede.

Villa thought they levelled through Danny Ings in the 51st minute before a VAR check lasting over three-and-a-half minutes resulted in the goal being disallowed.

Jacob Ramsey was penalised for fouling Edinson Cavani having been stood in an offside position as John McGinn whipped in a free kick.

The lengthy VAR check detracted from an otherwise enthralling encounter at Old Trafford, and it served as a troubling reminder that video assistants are only in operation in the FA Cup at Premier League grounds at this stage.

Is the current use of VAR in the FA Cup fair? Have your say in the comments!

Shearer raised his concerns over VAR’s implementation in the competition while speaking after the match, pointing out Hull City did not benefit from the technology as they lost 3-2 to Everton on Saturday.

“We should not be using VAR in this game if we can’t use VAR in every FA Cup game wherever that may be you shouldn’t be using VAR in this game,” the England legend told BBC Sport.

“I understand that it’s Premier League grounds only but we were at Hull on Saturday where they should’ve had two penalties if VAR were there.

“They got dumped out of the Cup because of that.”

Shearer also questioned whether referee Michael Oliver was right to chalk off Ings’ goal, adding: “I’m not 100 per cent certain that Cavani was getting back for the goal.

“He’s clever and I think he’s been done and he doesn’t attempt at all to get around him.

“Some would say he doesn’t have to but is it a clear and obvious error? I don’t think it is because I’m not certain Cavani is going to get to the ball.”

This view was shared by co-pundit Micah Richards, who said: “I totally agree.

“When they look back at it, Ramsey was stood to the right. He impedes him but you don’t know if Cavani was going to get there.”

“He (Ramsey) didn’t exactly hold him when he got there,” the former Manchester City and Villa defender added.

“He held his ground, he stepped to the side and Cavani ran into him and it took so long to make the decision it was just ridiculous.

“The consistency is not good enough. I mean, how can they have it (VAR) at one but not the other? It’s not fair.”