The Premier League has confirmed why Liverpool was awarded a penalty during Sunday's game against Manchester United at Anfield.

Liverpool was expected to beat United ahead of the Premier League clash. Arne Slot's players were five points clear at the top of the table - with two games in hand - going into Sunday's game, while the Red Devils were only six points clear of relegation zone.

Yet the game was much closer than many fans anticipated, with Lisandro Martinez opening the scoring for United just after halftime. Cody Gakpo equalized moments later before Mohamed Salah dispatched a penalty to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim left fuming after Man Utd draw with Liverpool - 'I'm really mad'

READ MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai out of Liverpool squad for Man Utd game as reason emerges

• Roy Keane slams 'schoolboy' Trent Alexander-Arnold with brutal Real Madrid dig

• Liverpool fans show new Trent Alexander-Arnold banner on Kop in strong contract message

Yet the penalty was only awarded after a VAR review. United defender Matthijs de Ligt appeared to handle the ball in the box, but referee Michael Oliver initially waved play on. The incident was then reviewed by the VAR official, as Liverpool's players protested.

The Premier League has now clarified exactly why Oliver's initial decision was overturned. A short statement on X read: "VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by De Ligt, deeming that his arm was raised in an unnatural position. Upon review, the referee overturned his original call of no penalty."

Although Liverpool took the lead through Salah's penalty, United quickly hit back. Amad, who scored the winner at Old Trafford when the two teams met in the FA Cup last season, inflicted more pain on Liverpool by equalizing in the 80th minute.

Both teams failed to find a winner after that. The result leaves Liverpool six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, while United has jumped up to 13th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.