Former Premier League referee states VAR problem in Manchester United penalty decision vs Watford

Manchester United may have had a harsh deal in their Saturday draw with Watford, according to a former Premier League player.

United were the better team for the whole of the game, but were unable to score against a struggling Watford side at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo both wasting good chances.

Keith Hackett, on the other hand, believes United should have been granted a penalty.

Craig Cathcart collided with Anthony Elanga near the conclusion of the first half, and Elanga fell to ground with United fans yelling for a penalty.

Nothing was issued after a VAR check, although Hackett has stated that he disagrees with the decision to review the tape and has seen them given.

“I agree with Kevin Friend, I don’t think it’s enough to earn a penalty,” he told Football Insider.

“Because it isn’t a clear and evident error, I don’t believe VAR can intervene in its current operation.”

“The issue is that the defender went in with his back to his opponent and stepped over the ball, causing the player to run into it.” That is the issue.

“I’ve seen them presented, and I’d like Kevin Friend to be a little closer so he could judge it.”

“VAR has came in and said it’s not a clear and obvious mistake, so let’s move on.”

United will be extremely frustrated by the result, as it was a game they would have preferred to win and had been expected to win, especially given their upcoming schedule, which includes games against Man City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool in the next three weeks.

Ralf Rangnick’s team is still in fourth place in the Premier League, but Arsenal now has three games in hand and is only two points behind them.