VAR CHEATED MAN UNITED AGAIN: FA release yet official statement on Mbeumo and Cunha penalty incident,as FA forces PGMOL to apologize for THREE wrong Var calls yesterday
Manchester United were denied a penalty in the opening 20 minutes of their Premier League showdown against Fulham, despite on-field referee John Brooks initially pointing to the spot.
Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the area by defender Jorge Cuenca and a penalty was at first awarded. However, replays showed that the Spaniard had pulled Cunha’s shirt outside the box before winning the ball with his challenge inside the 18-yard box.
Following a review, VAR overturned the decision and a free-kick was awarded. Brooks announced to the stadium: “After review, the Fulham 15 commits a holding offence outside the penalty area. The final decision is a free-kick to Manchester United.”
Alan Smith, talking on Sky Sports, said: “He certainly pulls him back, just outside the box. Cunha did ever so well to get in ahead of the defender.
“I just wonder if they would have given a penalty if they thought that he caught Cunha inside the penalty area, as well as outside the penalty area.”
Fortunately for United, Casemiro headed in from close range from the resulting free-kick. Bruno Fernandes’ ball, in turn his 11th assist the Premier League this season, was met by the Brazilian at the back post to put United ahead.
Fulham analysts, positioned in the press box at Old Trafford, were not happy with the manner of the goal. The Manchester Evening News’ Tyrone Marshall said: “Fulham analysts are sat next to us in the press box and made their displeasure at the decision for the goal clear.
“Credit to Fernandes, though, did well to keep his composure and his free-kick was perfect for Casemiro, and he couldn’t miss. Been a good half-hour for United, Fulham have had the odd moment but much more fluency about the home team in attack.”
Casemiro’s goal means that only Arsenal have scored more set-piece goals this term in the Premier League than United. Michael Carrick’s men have scored three less than the Gunners so far.
Speaking about the game on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-United defender Steve Bruce said: “Man Utd have done okay. There is not much in it. United arguably have been slightly better, but you can see why Fulham have done well in the last few weeks and sit seventh in the Premier League.
“It’s wonderful to watch. You can see the confidence in the Man Utd players, as well.
“The goal has given them a lift and they all want a touch of the ball. They’re great to watch at the moment.
On the goal, Bruce added: “What an absolutely magnificent textbook header. Casemiro is up before anybody else. Thumped it back towards where it came from, right into the far corner – what a start for Man Utd.”
