Manchester United’s win last Sunday is one of the most bizarre games we’ve seen at Old Trafford for some time. After a dull first half, which saw the visitor’s claim the best chances, Marco Silva’s side deservedly took the lead five minutes in to the second half.

With an insane fixture congestion, caused by United’s progression in all competitions, it seemed as though we had run out of steam and were about to be knocked out of the FA Cup.

However, with 15 minutes left to play, Jadon Sancho got himself in to a great position and struck the ball towards the goal. Before our fans could celebrate the equaliser, Willian batted the ball out of the way with his arm. Referee Chris Kavanagh had a great view of the incident but didn’t blow his whistle. United players, incredulous that official had missed the clear penalty, surrounded him protesting.

The ref was called to view the incident on the VAR screen which, for some reason, tipped manager Silva over the edge. He got sent off for his explosion before Kavanagh eventually awarded the penalty and rightly sent Willian off. For some reason, Aleksandar Mitrovic then became incensed by the clearly correct decision, grabbed the referee, pushed his finger in his face and shouted at him. He was also then sent off. As he continued to square up to the referee, David de Gea ran for his goal mouth to stand between the player and ref.

The rest is history. Bruno Fernandes scored the penalty, Marcel Sabitzer put us 2-1 up two minutes later, before Fernandes confirmed our progression to the next round with a goal in the last minute.

However, United fans were surprised to learn that our players have been charged for their reaction to Kavanagh’s dreadful decision.

Manchester United FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during the 71st minute of the FA Cup tie against Fulham FC on Sunday 19 March. It’s alleged that Manchester United FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper.

So it’s OK for the referee to miss a stonewall penalty but it’s not OK for the players to protest against the referee’s inability to do his job? Sound.




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