Manchester United won rather unconvincingly against West Bromwich Albion, but the incident that caught everyone’s eyes was the one including Bruno Fernandes. Lack of attacking attraction, slow game, and a tight WBA backline was in full execution on Saturday.
Pundits Ferdinand and Scholes, former manchester united teammates found themselves at the opposite end when it came to an agreement over the penalty. The first half of the match was pretty slow, but the second half was full of action. David Coote decided to award a penalty to Bruno Fernandes when he sharply pointed out that West Brom’s Conor Callagher has fouled Bruno, but thereafter changed his mind and reversed his decision after viewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
It was seen that though Conor was at fault, Fernandes too had his foot in contact with the ball. This doesn’t seem more accurate, but even margins matter.
United then won a penalty in the second half courtesy to Bruno then winning it for his team at the 56th minute of the match. Though Sam Johnstone saved the penalty, it had to be retaken. Bruno as calm as ever, then slotted home safely to score the opener for the Red Devils.
Ferdinand while speaking his views to BT Sports, threw the blame at David Coote for overturning the initial penalty decision, which actually was a clear foul.
Ferdinand said: “It’s a disgraceful decision he got it right the first time around. He’s gone there, looked at it, how do you actually go against the decision you’ve made initially when you’re looking at it closely? The more you look at it, the more it’s a penalty”
Though Ferdinand argued with the decision, Scholes found the penalty call less convincing. Rather it’s a very close call because of Bruno having slight contact with the ball.
Scholes added: “I’ve seen it about 50 times, I still can’t make my mind upon it, I know he does look like a little bit of shin on shin but it does look like he touches the ball a little bit as well”
Scholes further stated that he doesn’t seem this to be a totally conclusive decision as mentioned by Ferdinand. Has to be said that it’s a big relief for the manager after United won this match.
We all know that pundits know it better but even the fans are mingling over this decision. Quite a tough call indeed!
