Manchester United received an almighty let-off in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Everton after VAR showed Andy Madley the “wrong footage” to chalk off a late penalty, according to a former Premier League referee. Madley pointed to the spot after Ashley Young went to ground under pressure from Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, sending Goodison Park into a frenzy.
David Moyes appeared destined for a fifth Premier League win in six games, condemning United to a ninth defeat in 13 such outings.
However, VAR Matt Donohue recommended an on-field review to overturn the decision in the belief that Maguire didn’t foul Young at the death.
Madley agreed, denying Everton a match-winning spot-kick and sparing United’s blushes after Ruben Amorim’s side had fought back from two goals down.
A Premier League statement shortly after the drama read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review.
“The referee overturned the original decision, and play restarted with a drop ball.”
Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure took advantage of a dismal first-half showing from the visitors to steer the Toffees into a comfortable lead.
But United sparked to life in the final 20 minutes. Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick and Manuel Ugarte’s first goal for the club rescued a point.
It didn’t come without controversy, though, and ex-Prem official Mark Halsey has branded the last-gasp incident “embarrassing” after a few VAR mistakes.
“The decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Everton near the end of their 2-2 draw with Manchester United was clearly wrong,” Halsey told The Sun.
“VAR Matt Donohue should not have got involved because referee Andy Madley’s on-field call was in no way a clear and obvious error.
“Ashley Young’s shirt was pulled – and when an opponent does that in the penalty area, he is asking for trouble. When Madley went to the monitor, on the advice of VAR, he was then shown the wrong footage.
“The Premier League Match Centre posted on social media that Harry Maguire’s challenge on Young had been checked and that no foul had been committed.
“But they failed to take into account that Matthijs de Ligt had pulled Young back by the shirt.
“And had Madley been shown footage filmed from behind the goal, he would have seen this.”
United have an opportunity to return to winning ways when Ipswich Town visit Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Everton travel to Brentford.
