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Manchester United: Samuel Luckhurst slams “utterly bonkers” decision
Manchester United were denied a penalty in their Carabao Cup win, with Samuel Luckhurst dubbing it “utterly bonkers”.
The Lowdown: Cup victory
Erik ten Hag’s side booked their Wembley place for the Carabao Cup final at the end of the month following a comprehensive 5-0 aggregate victory over Nottingham Forest.
Goals from Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst and Bruno Fernandes put United 3-0 up heading into the second leg as Anthony Martial and Fred struck at Old Trafford to set up an enticing final against Newcastle United in a bid to end five trophyless seasons.
The Latest: Luckhurst’s comments
Despite their comfortable victory, the Red Devils could’ve put the tie to bed earlier when Weghorst was denied a penalty as he nipped in front of Forest defender Scott McKenna before being brought down in the area at the start of the second half.
Following play being waved on and referee Peter Bankes not being referred to the monitor by VAR, the Manchester Evening News journalist hit out at the decision on Twitter.
Luckhurst said: “Extraordinary how VAR haven’t advised the referee to give a penalty there. It’s as if they think ‘They’re already 3-0 up on aggregate, would be cruel on Forest’. Utterly bonkers.”
The Verdict: VAR mistake
Luckily for Ten Hag and United, the incident was academic, but had Forest managed to pull off an unlikely turn-around, the Dutchman would have had every right to be up in arms over the decision.
With McKenna dithering on the ball inside his own box, he eventually decided to attempt a clearance with Weghorst steaming in to win possession back, with the striker clearly getting to the ball first and poking it away from the Scotsman.
He’s then met with the follow-through from McKenna’s attempt to play the ball on his shin which sent the 6ft 6in striker crashing to the ground and led to Bruno Fernandes even giving up on the ball to protest given his adamance at the claim.
McKenna left the scene quickly and was caught looking sheepishly on the Sky cameras as he and Forest held their breath on a review that didn’t – but should have – followed.
