Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has dropped his verdict on whether Manchester United were denied a penalty against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring for United inside five minutes before Spurs striker Richarlison cancelled out his opener in the 19th minute of the clash.
The 20-year-old United striker picked up his first assist in the Premier League after he set up Marcus Rashford and the Red Devils led 2-1 going into half-time.
However, Rodrigo Bentancur struck back for Tottenham minutes after the second-half kick-off, with United walking away with a single point from the match.
United fans were furious in the first half after Alejandro Garnacho was brought down under a challenge from Tottenham left-back Destiny Udogie.
Udogie appeared to pull back Garnacho inside the box, but referee John Brooks did not take action against the Tottenham player and VAR didn’t intervene either.
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Gallagher on United’s penalty call vs Tottenham
United manager Erik ten Hag was disappointed with his side not securing all three points against Tottenham in their first Premier League match of 2024.
The Red Devils are seventh in the Premier League table and are eight points adrift of fourth-place Arsenal in the race for Champions League qualification for next season.
United could have built on their first-half momentum if they were awarded a penalty for the challenge on Garnacho, with the Red Devils impressing before the break.
Gallagher has now revealed that he agreed with Brooks’ decision not to award a penalty, despite questioning Udogie’s “risk” in committing to the challenge.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, he said: “I didn’t think there was enough in it for there to be a penalty.
“But as a defender, why would you do this? Why would you run the risk?
“He doesn’t have to do that. It doesn’t look right, does it? He’s got hold of him, making contact, but he’s not pulled him down.
“I’d have been really surprised if a penalty had been given.”
Ten Hag not happy with penalty being turned down
United legend Peter Schmeichel spoke out after the match and questioned a decision that Ten Hag made amid his praise for one Red Devils star’s reaction.
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane also shared his two cents on the Premier League showdown at Old Trafford and offered his advice to one struggling United player.
United fans took the time to praise Lisandro Martinez after his return from injury, while other supporters were far from impressed with one player’s performance.
Speaking after the match, Red Devils boss Ten Hag was not happy that VAR didn’t intervene after Udogie committed to his challenge on United winger Garnacho.
When asked if he was surprised VAR didn’t act on the challenge, he responded: “Yes. What can you do? But I am used to it, all season that is the case.
“At Spurs there was similar, a clear handball from [Cristian] Romero and I can list a number more.
“In some point of the season, I think it will turn to our side. Let’s hope for that.”
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