VAR technology came under a lot of criticism after being introduced to the Premier League and legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson shared this deep concern almost 20 years ago. Nearly 2 decades ago, Sir Alex Ferguson sent a warning that prolonged VAR checks would “kill the match” and it was proven right, the Mirror (UK) wrote.

Legendary former MU coach Sir Alex Ferguson often shares his views on technology in football. A specific case was in 2005 after MU’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham. The north London team had a goal disallowed in the controversial last minute after Pedro Mendes put the ball past goalkeeper Roy Carroll’s goal.

Sir Alex Ferguson once warned that VAR would interrupt the match and take a lot of time to review. PHOTO: MIRROR

When asked about that incident in 2005, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he was a big fan of applying VAR but did not want the match to be regularly interrupted. “Well, it just adds weight to the technology,” Sir Alex Ferguson said. I mean, I think most people say the game has to get better and I think that was proven tonight.”

Sir Alex Ferguson continued: “Well, that would be a start. I think it will create controversy because it takes too long. This was a winter match, everyone sat on the field waiting for something to happen and for the referee to come across the touchline, look at VAR and make a decision. It may take a few minutes.

Sir Alex Ferguson has never experienced VAR technology because he retired in 2013. PHOTO: GETTY

But Bologna’s coach (Carlo Mazzone) made the right point. If you cannot make a decision within 30 seconds, the match must continue. Sometimes 30 seconds in many cases is how long it takes you to take a goal kick or a corner kick.

If you think about this idea, it won’t kill the game in terms of wasting time. It will be for every decision. You can start with incidents on the touchline and see how it affects the game. The beginning is always important.”

Ferguson’s views on VAR do not seem to have changed at all since 2005. Speaking after MU’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle in September 2021, Sir Alex Ferguson still expressed concerns about VAR intervention. stopping the match.

Sir Alex Ferguson now enjoys MU matches in the stands. PHOTO: GETTY

Appearing on the UTD Podcast, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “It’s a different world. It’s only been eight years (since Sir Alex Ferguson retired), look at VAR. For me, this issue is mentioned a lot At least, VAR has not been used once (under Sir Alex Ferguson). The fans will enjoy it (without VAR) better, the match does not stop every two or three minutes.”