Man Utd news: Ruben Amorim reacts to VAR controversy vs Everton after 'wrong angle' claim
Manchester United received a late let-off during their Premier League draw with Everton after David Moyes' side saw a late penalty overturned following a VAR check
by Tom Victor · The MirrorManchester United came away from Saturday's trip to Everton with a point, but questions still remain for head coach Ruben Amorim.
Amorim's side trailed 2-0 at half-time at Goodison Park, but Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte netted after the break to bring them level, Everton might yet have snatched victory, but United were spared by VAR after it looked as though they had conceded a late penalty.
United will end the weekend in 15th after the point, just ahead of West Ham after Graham Potter's side won at Arsenal. They have a chance to build on their comeback on Wednesday, though, when Ipswich Town will be the visitors to Old Trafford.
The fall-out from the draw at Goodison Park has naturally been dominating headlines overnight as far as United are concerned. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines
Amorim reacts to VAR drama
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim believed the decision to overturn a late penalty award for Everton was the right one. On-field referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot after Ashley Young went to ground under Harry Maguire's challenge, but changed his mind after a VAR check.
“No I think it's a soft touch, it was not [a penalty] from what I saw," Amorim said. "I think it was a soft penalty it was clear. If you start the game without the first-half, it was a good point, but we needed the three points."
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was a little surprised by the let-off, though, admitting he was fearing the worst. “I saw VAR getting involved and the referee go over to the monitor. I was surprised it wasn’t given to be honest," Ferdinand said.
"He had his arms around Ashley Young’s waist did Harry Maguire. And when you put your hands on people, you give the referee a chance to make a decision.”
Shearer's 'wrong angle' claim
Former England striker Alan Shearer agreed with golfer Lee Westwood, who argued the best angle of the late penalty incident was not shown to Madley. "Why would VAR not show the ref the best angle of the shirt pull pen at decision???" Westwood asked on social media, with Shearer siding with the 51-year-old.
Did Manchester United get lucky at Everton? Have your say in the comments section
Shearer's fellow pundit Ally McCoist was commentating on the match for TNT Sports and was left surprised by the eventual decision. There have been plenty of varying takes on the on-field and VAR calls, with no consensus reached.
"Wow. You know something, I can see why he's not given it, but I would have given it," McCoist said. "I think there's enough of a tug on him [Ashley Young]."
Former PGMOL chief chimes in
It's not just current and former players and managers who have had their say on the penalty denial. Ex-referee and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has chimed in, telling Football Insider he didn't feel it was right for VAR to intervene.
“So Andy Madley, correctly in my opinion, awards a penalty kick for holding. So why has VAR got to intervene and then convince Madley to overturn his decision?” Hackett asked.
“Come on guys you’re making decisions that are farcical, a correct decision overturned incorrectly, because of VAR intervention. Andy you’re better than this, tell the VAR to go and do one because you were correct in the first instance and you’ve now overturned a good decision and disallowed a penalty kick. You’re wrong.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£35 (was £43)
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.