Dermot Gallagher has had his say on the questionable refereeing decision in Manchester United’s defeat to Man City.
Manchester United slipped to a 3-1 defeat to their neighbours on Sunday and suffered their 11th loss of the season.
Marcus Rashford put United ahead with a rocket of a goal but Manchester City fought back to win 3-1 thanks to a Phil Foden brace and a late Erling Haaland strike.
However, Erik ten Hag was left questioning two major decisions from referee Andrew Madley that he felt contributed to United’s defeat.
Ten Hag claimed United should have been awarded a free-kick after Rashford was bundled off the ball by Kyle Walker before Foden’s equaliser.
Additionally, the Dutchman felt United could have had a penalty when Alejandro Garnacho raced through on goal late on and was tackled by goalkeeper Ederson.
City themselves also wanted a penalty in the first half when Casemiro made a risky challenge on John Stones in the area.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has given his verdict on the three incidents.
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Dermot Gallagher’s view on referee’s decisions in the Manchester derby
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher first said on the penalty shout on Casemiro: “Good spot by the referee, Casemiro gets the ball.
“He comes round the back but he gets the ball. Referee waved it away straight away.
“VAR checked it because I know I was watching the game. Back the referee and I think back the referee because he got it right there.”
Gallagher was then asked about the supposed foul on Rashford: “Referee’s close, referee has said no foul.
“If VAR overruled the referee there, that’s clearly re-refereeing and not a clear and obvious error.
“But I didn’t think it was a foul, he went down very easy. It would have been too far back as well.”
Finally, Gallagher gave his view on Ederson’s challenge on Garnacho: “Good tackle for me, gets the ball.
“It’s low. Gets the ball and he has to get the ball because if he doesn’t get the ball then he’s in big trouble.
“If he doesn’t get the ball A) it’s going to be a penalty and B) it’s going to be a sanction because once he goes without his hands he becomes a defender, essentially he’s an outfield player going for this ball.
“But he does get the ball.”
No complaints
Ten Hag may have had a moan after the match but it’s hard to argue with the referee’s decisions or Gallagher’s verdict on them.
It wasn’t a foul on Rashford but the striker has been unlucky with the amount of criticism he has received.
The striker has been slammed for being weak when coming up against Walker but nine times out of 10 the striker does win the free-kick in that scenario.
It would usually be labelled as smart forward play for helping relieve the pressure on your team but, unfortunately, it backfired on Rashford this time.
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