Regarding West Ham's winning goal, Erik ten Hag criticises the VAR process: "It wasn't evident and clear."

Matthijs de Ligt's foul was not a "clear and obvious" error, according to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who has attacked the VAR system used to award West Ham's winning penalty.

De Ligt and Danny Ings made contact in the box with 87 minutes remaining. Although referee David Coote first decided not to give a penalty, VAR decided that Ings' lower leg had made enough contact to warrant an on-field review.

After that, Coote watched the incident's replays for almost two minutes at the pitchside monitor.

Referee Coote ultimately determined that the challenge was a foul and gave a penalty, even though it looked like De Ligt made touch with the ball before grabbing the West Ham forward. Jarrod Bowen gave them a 2-1 victory with a penalty kick.

Ten Hag cited the call to send Bruno Fernandes a red in their loss to Tottenham—a decision that was later overturned during the game—as an illustration of how the VAR system isn't functioning.

"Clear and obvious wasn't how the VAR worked their process," Ten Hag stated.

"They described the VAR procedure prior to the season and stated that they would only take action if it was evident and unambiguous. Therefore, it ought to have influenced Bruno's red card at Tottenham; both of those decisions were incorrect.

"Both significantly influence the games.

"I'm attacking the method, not the individual. Naturally, there are individuals in charge of the procedure, and the score was significantly impacted. We played excellent football and generated a lot of opportunities, particularly in the first half. So dominant is how I want my play to be seen. Excellent structures and build-up. I estimated that we had six or seven 100% chances to score.

"You have to remain composed and keep going when you don't score. Other than scoring, I had nothing but praise for my team.

"I am not fortunate. We are not on our side of it. It was the same last season, but we made it better. We are adamant that it will remain the same. If we continue to play that manner, it will turn.

Before VAR intervened late, Casemiro's header swiftly erased the Hammers' improbable advantage when Crysencio Summerville came off the bench at halftime.

After their dismal start to the season, Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, who is also under fire, said he did not see the penalty call but that Ings informed him it was the right one.

The Spaniard went on to say of Ten Hag's claim that the best team lost: "I respect his opinion. However, I believe it was divided into two halves.

"They performed better in the first half. I felt that we improved and changed in the second half.