FURIOUS Gary O’Neil criticized VAR Michael Salisbury after Wolves were denied a penalty in injury time.

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana collided with Sasa Kalajdzic in the box.

But Salisbury refused to notify ref Simon Hooper to inspect the pitchside monitor, which enraged O’Neil.

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“The keeper almost took our center-forward’s head off,” O’Neil, who was booked for protesting, said.

“However, I’m not shocked we didn’t get it.

“I thought it was a penalty both live and when I saw the replay.”

“It has to be a foul if you clatter into an attacker that hard.”

“I am extremely surprised.”

It’s not the first time Salisbury has been at the center of a highly contentious VAR decision.

He was fired from Premier League duty last season after his VAR gaffe in Brighton’s 2-1 loss to Spurs, in which he failed to award a penalty to the Seagulls, prompted an apology from refs’ boss Howard Webb.

“It’s a really difficult decision for the on-field refs, so we can’t just leave it to them because they say no,” O’Neil added.

“I’m disappointed we’re going home empty-handed, and then I get a booking at the end for claiming a penalty.”

“I’ve already discussed it with the officials.”

“If we’re all saying it should have been a penalty, he should look into it.”

Wolves were robbed, according to United legend Gary Neville.

“It was a penalty because Onana was nowhere near the ball,” he said.

“He was never going to get there, so he could have made a decision before jumping.”

“Upset is the word,” Wolves star Matheus Cunha added. It was a punishment.”

“The keeper almost took our centre-forward’s head off. But I am not overly surprised we didn’t get it.” – Gary O’Neil

Fans were horrified, labeling the decision a “robbery.”

“Yes, that should be a stonewall penalty after Onana punched Kalajdzic and completely missed the ball!” one person said.

“Really, what is the point of VAR?” said another. One of the most obvious punishments you’ll ever see….not given.”

“Wolves have been absolutely robbed of a penalty there, disgraceful,” one said.

“How is that not a penalty, Onana has taken out Sasa Kalajdzic,” said another.

“If an outfield player does that, I’m sure it’s a penalty; I think it’s another example of how well-protected goalkeepers are.”

“Manchester United was extremely fortunate to avoid this.” That’s a perplexing decision.”

Raphael Varane’s second-half winner was enough to separate the two teams.

Gary Lineker couldn’t stop himself from making a clever pun, tweeting: “An opening day 3 points for ManUtd thanks to VARane.”

United manager Erik ten Hag was relieved that the penalty claim was successful.

“The VAR looked at the incident and it went on our side, so we are happy with the points,” the Dutchman stated.

“Andre was very brave to come out, and I don’t believe he had any influence on the opponent’s touch.”

“It was a penalty was because Onana was nowhere near the ball.” – Gary Neville

Last night’s game at Old Trafford was won by French defender Varane, who nodded in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s close-range cross in the 76th minute.

However, the visitors got 23 attempts on goal, the most by an away club in a Premier League encounter at Old Trafford since Chelsea’s 25 in November 2005.

“To come to Old Trafford and have the most shots of any side since 2005 and dominate after only four days of work is exceptional,” O’Neil remarked.

“The lads deserved a little more tonight.”

United captain Bruno Fernandes explained, “Sometimes you have to find a way to win.”

“We are very happy,” said match winner Varane. It was a difficult game against a strong opponent. Three points and a clean sheet is a terrific start to the season.”