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Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has called out the match officials for their role in Manchester United’s 2-1 loss against West Ham United.
United suffered the defeat on Sunday afternoon at the London Stadium.
The result has left Erik ten Hag’s men in 14th position in the Premier League table with just 11 points gained from a possible 27.
The Red Devils also have a minus-three goal difference, as their woes on the pitch persist. Crysencio Summerville gave West Ham the lead but this advantage was soon cancelled out by Casemiro, who headed in the ball to set up a frantic showdown in the dying embers of the match.
With proceedings headed for a draw, West Ham were awarded a controversial penalty after Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings had a coming together inside the box.
On-field referee David Coote initially deemed that there wasn’t an infringement but VAR official Michael Oliver intervened and instructed him to look at it closely on the pitch-side screen.
Inevitably, Coote reversed his earlier verdict. Jarrod Bowen stepped up to the spot-kick and converted to seal the win for the Hammers.
A furious Ten Hag branded the incident an “injustice” while also suggesting that Coote lacked the “big personality” needed to stick to his gut.
Assistant coach Darren Fletcher also had an X-rated rant, highlighting the dubious nature of the referee’s decision.
These sentiments were shared by Shearer, who said on Premier League Productions (via Manchester Evening News), “Awful decision.”
“That’s a terrible decision whether you like Manchester United or not, and I don’t understand why Michael Oliver [VAR] got involved.”
On the game, Shearer added, “Well done Julen Lopetegui, because his team really were awful in that first half. After the three changes, much more energy, much more spark. West Ham punished Man United, good one-touch football. It’s a huge day for Lopetegui.”
“It could also have been a huge day for Erik ten Hag – who remains under the spotlight following yet another defeat this season.”
Up next for Ten Hag and his players is a Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City on Wednesday.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images