LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Referee Andy Madley checks the VAR screen following a penalty decision during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United FC at Goodison Park on February 22, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images). Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has criticised the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the 2-2 draw against Everton, with the Toffees denied a late penalty at Goodison Park.. United found themselves 2-0 down at half time, but completed a second half comeback thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte. It set the game up for an entertaining final 10 minutes as both sides pushed for the winner.. It was Everton who thought that they had a golden chance to steal three points in added time. Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot after Ashley Young went down in the box under pressure from Mathijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.. However, after review, the official was sent to take a second look at the incident on the pitchside monitor. After watching the replay, Madely made the decision to overturn the decision.. That has caused debate on social media, with Owen joining in. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “I’m a VAR fan but that last minute penalty was a mess.. “Maguire wasn’t the culprit yet VAR repeatedly offered the ref one angle and failed to show the shirt pull from De Ligt.”. In a separate tweet, the former Reds striker added: “The referee gave the penalty for what he considered was a foul by Maguire which explains it a little. Looking forward to Match Officials Mic’d Up in a couple of weeks.”. Content cannot be displayed without consent. Article continues below. Replays from behind the goal shown on TV did show a small shirt pull from De Ligt on Young. It however appeared that the referee was shown different angles on the monitor upon his review of the incident.. The point means that United stay one position and one point behind Everton in the Premier League table. United have 30 points from 26 games so far this season.. Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.. –. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
