Mistakes are part and parcel of the game, but unfortunately for referees their mistakes tend to be scrutinised a lot more. There have been some high-profile errors since the start of the season and they undoubtedly get magnified when they involve Premier League giants Manchester United.
It speaks volumes that against West Ham United this weekend Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands yet again, after reacting angrily to a yellow card Paul Pogba received for simulation – a correct call by referee Jonathan Moss.
However, they have not always been the right calls by officials in Manchester United’s games this season. Some have gone for the Red Devils and some have gone against them.
So Squawka team have picked out some of the most controversial decisions in Manchester United’s Premier League games this term and determined whether they were correct or not, with the aid of qualified referees.
Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
Incident: Claudio Bravo comes out to tackle Wayne Rooney
Outcome: Nothing given
This was when the wheels really started to fall off for Mourinho and United – the Manchester derby back in September. City’s summer signing Claudio Bravo took a loose touch inside his penalty area before lunging out of control and tackling Wayne Rooney.
The tackle left the striker in agony, but referee Mark Clattenburg failed to give anything after deeming Bravo had played the ball.
However, the manner in which the Chile international tackled the England captain was completely out of control and a clear use of excessive force. A decision which went against United, before they lost the game 2-1.
Verdict: Red card for Bravo and penalty to United
Watford 3-1 Manchester United
Incident: Miguel Britos tackles Anthony Martial in the build-up to Watford’s opener
Outcome: Nothing given
A day that Manchester United fans will look to avoid for as long as possible, but the refereeing from Michael Oliver was certainly questionable that day in September. The main talking point came on 34 minutes following a challenge from Miguel Britos on Anthony Martial, which led to Watford’s opening goal.
Replays suggest Britos did get a slight touch to the ball, but for me the centre-back got much more of the Manchester United forward’s left leg before actually getting his toe to the ball.
Overall, an extremely tough decision to make.
Verdict: Free-kick to Manchester United.
Manchester United 0-0 Burnley
Incident: Matteo Darmian goes down after a Jon Flanagan tackle
Outcome: Nothing given
One that went against Manchester United was when Matteo Darmian went down after a Jon Flanagan tackle, in possibly the most frustrating home draw for the club in recent seasons.
Darmian cut in during the 0-0 draw with Burnley in October, but Liverpool loanee Flanagan left out a clumsy leg. The contact was minimal and many will argue Darmian could have stayed on his feet, but the legs do come together and it has to be a foul.
The tackle occurs just on the line of the 18-yard box, which means if Mark Clattenburg does spot it he has to give a penalty.
Verdict: Penalty
Chelsea 4-0 Manchester United
Incident: David Luiz fouls Marouane Fellaini
Outcome: Free-kick and yellow card to Luiz
This tackle went rather unnoticed after Manchester United were thrashed comprehensively by Chelsea 4-0 in October, but David Luiz was very fortunate to get away with just a yellow card.
The Brazil international goes in extremely high on Marouane Fellaini during the away game last month and whilst the ball is there to be won, the height at which Luiz goes in – and misses the ball – makes it a very poorly timed one.
Verdict: Free-kick and red card to Luiz
Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
Incident: Nacho Monreal brings down Antonio Valencia
Outcome: Nothing given
A clumsy tackle from Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal nearly two weeks ago should have really resulted in a spot-kick for Manchester United.
The Spaniard was stumbling and simply not strong enough for Antonio Valencia’s lung-bursting run, which resulted in him hauling down the Ecuador international.
Verdict: Penalty to Manchester United
Manchester United 1-1 West Ham
Incident: Jose Mourinho kicks a water bottle in frustration to Paul Pogba’s yellow card
Outcome: Pogba booked and Mourinho sent to the stands
There were no two ways about it. Pogba’s yellow card for simulation was the correct call by Jonathan Moss last week, with Mark Noble getting nowhere near the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, Mourinho’s reaction to the booking – the 53-year-old kicked a water bottle furiously down the touchline – prompted Moss, once again correctly, to send the Portuguese coach to the stands.
In 2015, The FA and LMA clamped down on such antics by managers, after Nigel Pearson’s infamous water bottle incident with James McCarthur and Arsene Wenger’s clash with Mourinho. Kicking bottles or similar signs of dissent will result in only one outcome.
SOURCE: squawka:
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