Manchester United fought to a win over Wolves after a really tough opening game of the season at Old Trafford.
Andre Onana kept a clean sheet on his Manchester United debut – and also incurred the wrath of Wolves boss Gary O’Neil.
There was a 97th minute VAR check which almost ruined Manchester United’s night, after Andre Onana appeared to wipe out Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic.
After a delay the referee marched over to the sideline – and instead of awarding a penalty, he booked Wolves boss O’Neil for something he said to the fourth official.
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O’Neil upset over Onana
O’Neil spoke to Sky Sports after the game and explained that he was shocked to get a yellow card. He pointed to the Manchester United goalkeeper as the real villain.
He said: “As the ref was coming over, I thought he was coming to look at the screen but he’s booked me, instead of Onana for smashing our player’s head.”
He added: “I thought the keeper almost took our centre forward’s head off.”
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O’Neil’s stance was backed by former Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling, who blasted the decision, via Twitter.
Erik ten Hag disagrees
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag disagreed that Wolves should have had a penalty.
He told BBC Sport: “After the opponent touched the ball, he dived in. It was the judgment of the VAR, of the refs. Lucky for us. We were happy with that.
“You can debate about it, but I don’t think it is a penalty.”
Perhaps, Onana would have saved the spot-kick and ended the night spectacularly, but it was better we did not have to find out.
Wolves probably deserved a point as they played well and really tested United, but to slip to a draw in the 97th minute on the opening day would have been a real sickener for the Red Devils, and we feel a little fortunate.