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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has lamented the controversial penalty decision that led to his side’s 2-1 loss at the hands of West Ham United.
Against the run of play, West Ham took the lead in the 74th minute courtesy of Crysencio Summerville.
However, their advantage didn’t last too long as Casemiro headed in home seven minutes later to restore parity. It looked like both sides would have to settle for a point but the Hammers were awarded a shocking penalty.
Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings simply came together and referee David Coote did not see any issue with it. However, VAR official Michael Oliver surprisingly intervened and instructed Coote to head to the monitor for further review.
Coote reversed his original decision and decided to give West Ham the penalty, much to the dismay of the United players, coaching staff and supporters. Jarrod Bowen made no mistake from the spot-kick as he beat Andre Onana.
After the final whistle, an angry Ten Hag spoke to the BBC on the incident and pulled no punches in his assessment.
The United boss said, “It was so difficult to see. Before the season there was the instruction about VAR only interfering in clear and obvious mistakes.”
“That is definitely not a clear and obvious mistake from the on field referee.”
He added, “More frustrations but I can do nothing with that. They don’t collect points and that’s what we have to do. ”
“We have to look in the mirror, we don’t score in a good game from our side. Create loads of chances and concede none but when you lose in this way it’s a bad feeling.”
“More frustrations but I can do nothing with that. They don’t collect points and that’s what we have to do. We have to look in the mirror, we don’t score in a good game from our side. Create loads of chances and concede none but when you lose in this way it’s a bad feeling.”
— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) October 27, 2024
Ten Hag branded it an “injustice” as he insisted that it’s not the first time United have been unfairly treated by the referees.
“Three times this season we feel injustice. Unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.”
“I spoke with the officials but decision is made. There’s no way back. It has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table.”
🚨 Ten Hag: “Three times this season we feel injustice. Unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty”.
“I spoke with the officials but decision is made. There’s no way back. It has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table”, tells BBC. pic.twitter.com/zlGsLxiRFn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2024
The result has left the Red Devils in 14th place in the standings, just seven points above the relegation zone and with a minus-three goal difference.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images