Manchester United are back to winning ways in the Premier League after their highly dramatic win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with goals from Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes securing the three points.
Erik ten Hag’s men recovered from a two-goal deficit to record their second win from three games this season but as expected, there are talking points clouding the referee’s performance after United have played.
Forest held a 2-1 lead going into the second half but that would soon change as Casemiro fired United level, with Forest defender Joe Worrall then being given his marching orders for denial of a goalscoring opportunity.
Later, the winner would come through Bruno Fernandes from 12 yards after Marcus Rashford was brought down in the box. The referee immediately signalled to the spot but Martin Keown, the former Arsenal defender, has now slammed the decision to award United a penalty.
Keown, famous for his antics on the Old Trafford pitch after Arsenal succeeded in their bid to leave the Theatre of Dreams without losing, has suggested the referees didn’t see the challenge properly.
“I wondered whether it is a moment where you think, “Did they actually see it?” Keown told BBC.
“I cannot believe that the officials have come to that decision and awarded a penalty.
“I look forward to the day where the officials can communicate their decisions to us, and explain their workings out in the VAR room.”
Considering that Rashford was denied the opportunity to create a goalscoring chance for his team-mates and the clear contact between his leg and the defender’s, it’s difficult to argue against the referee’s decision.
The process to confirm the on-field referee’s decision was fairly straightforward as well, which means that there was little deliberation in the VAR room.
