Manchester United’s Premier League match against Everton concluded with a notably contentious VAR decision.
Ruben Amorim’s distinctive team talk ignited a resurgence for Manchester United at Goodison Park, as they trailed 2-0 at the interval.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte brought the Red Devils back on equal terms, prompting them to seek a late winner. However, it appeared that Everton would be presented with a prime chance to secure all three points when referee Andy Madley awarded a penalty.
Premier League panel votes on Man United vs Everton penalty
The narrative that emerged from Goodison Park following the draw suggested that United was fortunate and escaped punishment due to VAR intervention.
Shearer and Gary Lineker expressed their frustration with VAR, asserting that the decision made by Madley did not constitute a “clear and obvious” error.
However, the Premier League Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel appeared to hold a contrasting view to that of the pundits.
According to a report by ESPN, the panel reached a unanimous decision, voting 5-0 that Madley erred in awarding a penalty to Everton.
Furthermore, they voted 4-1 in favor of the VAR’s decision to intervene and rescind the penalty.
The panel’s remarks regarding the incident included the observation that “the contact from the defenders does not correspond with the exaggerated fall from the attacker.”
It appears that Ashley Young’s propensity for simulation ultimately worked against him, but VAR ultimately rendered the correct decision.
VAR has usually gone against Man United this season
The compilation of the most egregious VAR decisions against Manchester United this season is truly astonishing.
Statistical evidence supports the assertion that United has experienced a greater number of unfavorable VAR calls compared to favorable ones this season.
According to data from ESPN, only four teams in the top tier have received fewer advantageous VAR decisions than United this season.
Notably, United has not been awarded a single penalty through VAR this season, while two penalty calls have been ruled against them.
This includes the incident where Rasmus Hojlund was denied a penalty against Manchester City, as well as VAR’s involvement in the red card issued to Patrick Dorgu during the match against Ipswich Town.
Nevertheless, Amorim acknowledged that United benefited from a fortunate circumstance against Leicester Town, as Harry Maguire’s winning goal was permitted to stand due to the absence of VAR in the cup match.