Manchester United were forced to settle for a point against Bournemouth but a VAR controversy has overshadowed the result
Manchester United were denied a penalty on Friday against Bournemouth.(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett was left “amazed” that Manchester United were not awarded a penalty for a foul on Amad.
The Ivorian was hauled over in the penalty area with United leading 1-0 during Friday’s draw with Bournemouth. However, the referee wasn’t interested in the incident, later awarding the Cherries a spot-kick after Evanilson was brought down by Harry Maguire, resulting in a red card.
United twice led but were pegged back as they dropped points in the hunt for the Champions League. Saturday’s results meant that their rivals didn’t make up any ground as Liverpool and Chelsea both lost away from home.
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However, the decision not to award a penalty on Amad overshadowed the draw with Ryan Christie and Junior Kroupi hitting back for the Cherries.
Hackett said that it was the right decision to award the penalties in the game but was left stunned that United were denied a spot-kick.
He told Football Insider: “These are nailed on penalty kicks, and Maguire made no attempt to play the ball and is rightly sent off for DOGSO.
“Amazed that the first one was not awarded. These two incidents are clear holding offences. VAR should have intervened on the first one and awarded Man Utd a penalty kick.”
Fernandes converted from 12 yards after Alex Jimenez dragged down Matheus Cunha. United restored their lead in the second half when the Portuguese’s corner was diverted into his own net by James Hill.
Matheus Cunha in action for Manchester United against Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s first leveller came just moments after Adrien Truffert brought Amad down and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled that “the contact was not sufficient for a foul.”
United interim manager Michael Carrick pulled no punches after referee Stuart Attwell dismissed the penalty claims. He said: “We should have had another penalty. It’s pretty much identical for me, two-hand grab.
“Either way, [the ref] got one wrong, but to give one and not give the other, I can’t get my head around it. I think it’s crazy. It’s a bit baffling, really.
“Because of that, they score and then it’s chaos after that, really. We should have had another penalty and the game would have been totally different.”
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