Manchester United were denied penalty at 4-3 down
The game turned when Casemiro was fouled inside the box, and a VAR review led to a penalty, with Bruno Fernandes scoring.
Minutes later Harry Maguire was brought down inside the box, and there were furious calls for a penalty.
This one was not given, and Maguire and United were left furious, wondering if that was going to be a pivotal moment we looked back on with anguish.
Thankfully Kobbie Mainoo scored a superb equaliser minutes later, before Maguire popped up to head in a winning goal, in the most dramatic of scenes.
Mark Clattenburg verdict on United penalty appeal
United In Focus spoke exclusively to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, for his thoughts on the penalty appeal.
Clattenburg insisted that the fact there was a spot-kick awarded minutes earlier should have no impact on the referee’s call.
“It’s doesn’t matter if Manchester United were awarded a penalty earlier a few minutes earlier,” he said.
For the incident itself, Clattenburg did not believe it should have been a penalty, arguing the referee made the right call.
“Harry Maguire wanted a penalty for a pull but I don’t think it reaches the criteria of a penalty as the defender is in front of Maguire and both are pulling each others shirt.”
“As the ball is close to the goalkeeper, Maguire throws himself down looking for a penalty.
“I would be surprised if this one was given and even more surprised if VAR overturned the original decision of the referee.”
Manchester United did not need decision
When Harry Maguire was appealing for a penalty, Manchester United were hoping that at best, we could claim a draw and force penalty kicks.
Expectations were surpassed with Kobbie Mainoo’s equaliser and Harry Maguire’s late header, with Casemiro providing the assists for both goals, sealing a 5-4 win.
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