Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has explained exactly why Manchester United were awarded their last-minute penalty against Burnley.
Manchester United finally secured their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Burnley in a thrilling clash at Old Trafford.
The hosts took the lead early on when Burnley’s Josh Cullen inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The visitors struck back shortly after the break, but United responded almost immediately, as Bryan Mbeumo netted his first-ever goal at Old Trafford to restore the advantage.
Burnley equalised again to set up a tense finish, but Amad earned a late penalty which captain Bruno Fernandes dispatched with confidence, ensuring United claimed all three points.
Clattenburg explains exactly why United’s penalty was awarded
Amad’s shirt was being pulled by Jaidon Anthony as he entered the box and VAR eventually came to the decision that United should be awarded a penalty.
The decision led to criticism from Burnley boss Scott Parker and midfielder Jacob Bruun Larsen. Their stance could be that the foul started outside of the penalty area.
But former Premier League official Mark Clattenburg has explained that, although the initial contact began outside of the box, the foul continued until Amad was on the line and therefore a penalty was the right decision.
Clattenburg told UnitedInFocus: “Holding of the shirt which starts and carries on inside the penalty area can be given as a penalty.
“Jaidon Antony has a hold of Amad’s shirt and the only question for the VAR, does Amad have his foot on the line of the penalty area when the hold stops?
“I have watched this many times and the front foot looks like it’s on the line when the shirt is still being held so therefore a penalty kick is the right outcome.”
United’s attack will win more penalties
When United were winning so many penalties under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, it was mainly due to the quick attacking players in the team. Anthony Martial’s quick feet won many a spot-kick.
Now, Amad seems likely to be someone who can create that danger in the 18-yard box for his team, while Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha will also cause concern for opponents.
Fernandes might have missed against Fulham last week but he stepped up again and confidently dispatched on Saturday. He will be confident of scoring most of his penalties.
While you’ll never focus on winning penalties as a genuine tactic, it would not be surprising to see United earn more of them this season. That is as long as VAR works properly.
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