Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Everton on Saturday at Goodison Park ended with a controversial VAR decision that could have seen the Red Devils concede a late penalty. Although the result left United with a point, the aftermath of the match raised plenty of questions, particularly for manager Ruben Amorim.
United found themselves 2-0 down at the break, but a second-half revival saw Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte score to level the game. However, in the dying moments, Everton were awarded a penalty when Ashley Young was brought down by Harry Maguire. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but a VAR review overturned the decision.
The draw left Manchester United sitting in 15th place in the Premier League, just ahead of West Ham. With a midweek home fixture against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, they have an opportunity to build on the positive aspects of the comeback.
Amorim’s Take on the VAR Decision
Ruben Amorim, speaking after the match, agreed with the VAR decision, stating that he believed the penalty call was too soft. “No, I don’t think it was a penalty. From what I saw, it was a soft touch. If we ignore the first half, it was a good point for us, but we needed the three points,” Amorim explained.
Rio Ferdinand’s Surprise at the Call
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, however, expressed surprise at the overturn. “I saw the referee go over to the monitor, and I thought, ‘this could go either way.’ Honestly, I was expecting it to be given,” Ferdinand admitted. He pointed out that Maguire’s arms were around Young’s waist, which could have influenced the referee’s initial decision.
Alan Shearer Critiques VAR’s Angle
Alan Shearer weighed in on the controversy, agreeing with golfer Lee Westwood, who questioned why the best angle of the incident wasn’t shown to the referee. “Why wasn’t the best angle of the shirt pull shown to the referee?” Westwood had posted on social media, and Shearer echoed the sentiment, suggesting that the VAR review might not have provided the clearest view.
Ally McCoist’s Mixed Opinion
Ally McCoist, who was commentating for TNT Sports, was also taken aback by the final decision. “I can see why it wasn’t given, but I would have given it. There was definitely enough of a tug on him,” McCoist remarked, acknowledging the uncertainty around the decision.
Keith Hackett Critiques VAR’s Intervention
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett also weighed in on the VAR controversy, arguing that the on-field referee, Andy Madley, had made the correct decision to award the penalty. “Madley made the right call. Why should VAR intervene and convince him to change his decision? It’s a farce when good decisions are overturned by VAR,” Hackett told Football Insider. He further criticized the decision, stating, “Andy, you were right, and VAR should have stayed out of it.”
The debate continues to stir discussion among pundits and fans alike, with no clear consensus on whether the penalty should have been awarded or not. For United, the focus now shifts to their upcoming fixture, hoping to build on their hard-earned point.
