“We’re in England” – Ruben Amorim all smiles as Manchester United ‘escapes’ penalty call vs Everton
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim backed the referee's decision to not award Everton a late penalty in the EPL encounter.
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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim backed the referee's decision to overturn a late Everton penalty decision (via Standard)
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim confidently backed the referee’s decisions to not award a penalty against his side. The incident happened during a 2-2 draw against Everton. Man Utd was fortunate enough to have a last-gasp penalty decision overturned by the match officials.
The Red Devils came off the back of a two-match losing streak in the EPL. They were hoping to gain a much-needed win against the Toffees. However, Everton deservedly went 2-0 up in the first half. Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure struck the two goals. United bounced back in the second half, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, helping the club avoid another disappointing defeat.
The visitors were sloppy and had almost given away a late penalty. Three minutes into added time, Ashley Young fell inside the United box under pressure from Mathijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. Referee Ashley Medley immediately pointed to the spot, but was advised by VAR to look into the pitch-side monitor. After a long-drawn review, he overturned his decision, deeming no foul was committed by Maguire.
Ruben Amorim says it was 'clear' to overturn the penalty decision:
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) February 22, 2025
“What I saw, I didn't see very well, it was a little bit of a soft touch and we are in England, so you guys enjoy a lot the physicality of the game. I think it was soft. I think it was clear to overturn the… pic.twitter.com/I4gvD0z8DP
While the decision was controversial as the referee reportedly did not pay heed to Mathijs de Ligt’s shirt pull, Ruben Amorim claimed it to be the right call. Backing the referee’s decision, the Portuguese boss exclaimed that it was a ‘clear’ soft touch, and not a pre-meditated foul.
I think what I saw, I didn’t see quite well. It was a little bit soft of a soft touch… We are in England so you guys enjoy a lot, the physicality of the game, I think. It was clear I think to overturn the decision.
Ruben Amorim to reporters (via ManUtd.com)
Nonetheless, the draw leaves Manchester United a dismal 15th on the EPL table, with just 30 points. Ruben Amorim is still reeling under pressure, after having guided the club to its poorest English top-flight season in more than 50 years.
Rio Ferdinand labels Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side as ‘the worst’
Ex-Manchester United skipper and football pundit Rio Ferdinand slammed the current side, disgracefully branding them as the ‘worst United team’ he has ever seen. The Red Devils are currently on a three-match win-less run in the Premier League.
Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton. Rio Ferdinand assessed his former club’s display. He criticized them for failing to register a shot on target in the first half of the match. Speaking on TNT Sports, he stated that the United players do not possess the desire to fight or win. Ferdinand also urged them to learn from Everton’s recent performances.
I don’t know if I’ve seen a United team this bad. It’s been embarrassing in all facets of the game.
Rio Ferdinand on Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side (H/T Daily Mail)
Moreover, it is not the first time that Ruben Amorim’s side has been named the ‘worst Manchester United side’. A month ago, the Portuguese boss had himself admitted to the same, following his side’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton.
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Siddhartha Roy
(792 Articles Published)