Mata put United ahead with VAR penalty

In the build up to what seemed to be the opener from Fred, Mata was chopped down in the middle of the box by Reading defender Richards. Now had his team mates strike been allowed to stand, the foul on Mata would have been forgotten. However, as the linesman's flag was raised correctly against the Brazilian, the referee appeared to hold his hand to his ear, and listen to the Video official. 

As replays showed, the foul on Mata in the build up to the goal did indeed occur inside the penalty area, and as the continuation of play brought no advantage to the attacking side, play had to be called back for a set piece in United's favour. Therefore, a spot kick was awarded to the home side.

After suffering the foul for the decision, Juan Mata stepped up to take the responsibility for the taking of the kick. The Spaniard sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, to stroke the ball into the opposite bottom corner of the net. Despite not having truly tested the visitor's goal in the opening quarter of the encounter, the hosts's quality, and a great piece of refereeing, handed them the lead.