Maguire shocked after being ‘certain’ of wrong decision in Man Utd draw

Harry Maguire was baffled as to why the decision to award him a penalty in Manchester United’s draw with West Bromwich Albion was overturned.

United were held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom, despite the two sides going into the game at opposite ends of the table.

Mbaye Diagne put the Baggies ahead early on before Bruno Fernandes levelled things up for United just before half-time.

In the second half, United could have had a big chance to take the lead when Maguire went down in the box. The referee originally gave a penalty kick.

However, after a VAR check, the decision was overturned.

United captain Maguire believed the original decision should have stood. He also took issue with how West Brom’s goal was allowed.

“We created a lot of chances – enough to win the game,” Maguire told Sky Sports. “It was tough for ourselves with the goal we conceded – for us it was a foul.

“We played the game in their half. We can do more and improve but it’s disappointing. It was a tough job against a team that defends deep. In the second half we played with a great tempo.

Harry Maguire was confident it was a penalty vs West Brom

Harry Maguire was confident it was a penalty vs West Brom

Harry Maguire was disappointed VAR overturned a penalty to Manchester Utd when he was pulled back by Semi Ajayi in the West Brom penalty box during their 1-1 draw in the Premier League.

“I was so certain it was a penalty. I don’t understand why he’s been sent to check it.

“I’m goalside of the defender, I feel a touch on my shoulder, he’s pulling me back, and then I feel a clip on my heels as well. It was minimal, but it’s a penalty, especially after the referee points to the spot you think there’s no chance it’s getting overturned.

“I was so confident it was going to be given, but it seems like the decisions at the moment are going against us. We can’t be relying on VAR though, we huffed and puffed and have to improve.”


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Solskjaer wanted better performance

In truth, United would have been hoping for a more convincing performance that meant such an incident wouldn’t have been a decisive factor in the game.

Manager Solskjaer admitted that they left it too late to get started in the game and paid the price.

He said: “The goal we scored is the way we put pressure on them. We did get down the sides sometimes but didn’t have anybody to tap them in.

“One of these days we weren’t there where we should have been.

“We should play better but we gave ourselves a tough start. You have 90 minutes to make amends but we didn’t build that momentum until late in the first half.”

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