Jesse Lingard disallowed goal: why decision against offside Juan Mata was correct in Wolfsburg clash

The incident happened just before half-time

Jesse Lingard in action for Manchester united against Wolfsburg (Getty Images)

Manchester United thought they had equalised against Wolfsburg on the stroke of half-time, but Jesse Lingard's goal was disallowed for Juan Mata interfering with play.

United midfielder Lingard send in a curling cross from the outside of the area which found its way in. On first glance the ball looked to hit the offside Mata before going in, but further replays showed that while Mata did not touch it, he was in an offside position standing in front of the goalkeeper, affecting his line of vision. Mata immediately celebrated like he had scored too, which did not help his case.

The rules were changed in the summer to allow interference to count in offside positions.

Assisant manager Ryan Giggs spoke with the fourth official near his dugout, while Jesse Lingard protested while walking away at half-time.

Anthony Martial put United ahead in the 10th minute, before goals from Aparecido Rodrigues and Vieirinha put Wolfsburg in front.