Mike Dean explains in-depth why Marcus Rashford's goal against Liverpool stood after given 'benefit of the doubt'

Mike Dean has explained in-depth why Marcus Rashford's goal against Liverpool stood after given the 'benefit of the doubt'.

Rashford scored Manchester United's second goal in their big 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Monday.

He slotted past Alisson after being put through by Anthony Martial.

Rashford's goal stood following a VAR check in a borderline call.

The Man United striker was in fact given the 'benefit of the doubt', a new rule proposed by UEFA to give the attacker the advantage in such scenarios.

If the two VAR lines touch, the attacker should be given onside. 

Former Premier League referee and VAR official Dean has since explained the reasoning behind why the goal was allowed to stand, revealing the goal might have been disallowed two years ago.

"Two years ago, Rashford's strike might have been disallowed - one of those 'toenail' offsides that was highlighted when VAR first arrived in England," he wrote for the Daily Mail.

"But the Premier League and PGMOL made changes for the good of the game - in agreement with the clubs and in line with UEFA competitions and domestic leagues across Europe - and I want to talk you through that and the process we now go through. 

"While most of Old Trafford was celebrating United taking a 2-0 lead, VAR Darren England and his team at Stockley Park were taking a closer look at the moment Rashford broke behind Liverpool's back line.

"First the 'kick point' - the moment a team-mate plays the ball - is confirmed.

"Then the lines are laid. First a one-pixel line to the second last defender, then another one-pixel line to the attacker, at the point closest to goal with which he can score."

Dean added: "As VAR, I make sure it's all accurate, then lock it in.

"Once they are locked in, the system will then flash up green for onside or red for offside. It's not subjective. It's factual.

"But last summer, changes were made so that if the lines are overlapping, it's onside.

"It's too close to call otherwise and so the advantage is given to the attacker, as it was with Rashford at Old Trafford on Monday evening."