FURIOUS Gary O’Neil criticized VAR Michael Salisbury for depriving Wolves of a late penalty.
Andre Onana, a rookie goalkeeper for Manchester United, collided with Sasa Kalajdzic in the penalty area.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana takes out Sasa Kalajdzic Credit: Getty
Fans could not believe Manchester United avoided conceding a late penalty Credit: Alamy
5VAR decided to wave off penalty claims Credit: Sky Sports
O’Neil was furious because Salisbury refused to request that referee Simon Hooper inspect the pitchside monitor.
“The keeper almost took our center-forward’s head off,” yelled O’Neil, who was given a yellow card for his protest.
“However, I’m not too shocked that we missed out.
“When I first saw it and again after seeing the replay, I assumed it was a penalty.
“It has to be a foul if you clatter into an adversary that forcefully.
I am really, very surprised.
Salisbury has already been the subject of a highly contentious VAR decision.
As a result of his VAR gaffe in Brighton’s 2-1 loss to Spurs, in which he failed to advise the Seagulls of a penalty, he was fired from Premier League responsibilities and Howard Webb issued an apology.
O’Neil continued, “We can’t simply leave it to the on-field officials because they say no. It’s a really difficult decision for them.
“I am disappointed that we are leaving the game empty-handed and that I was later booked for seeking a penalty.
“I have already discussed it with the authorities.
He needs to take a closer look if everyone agrees that there should have been a penalty.
Gary Neville, a United icon, insisted that Wolves had been robbed.
“It was a penalty,” he said, “since Onana wasn’t even close to the ball.
He might have chosen not to jump because he was never going to get there.
Matheus Cunha, a standout for the Wolves, added: “Upset is the word. It was a punishment.
Our center-forward’s head nearly came off due to the goalkeeper. But I’m not really shocked that we missed out on it.
G. O. Neil
Fans were astounded by the decision and referred to it as a “robbery”.
A person responded, “Yes, that should be a stonewall penalty after Onana punched Kalajdzic and completely missed the ball!”
Another person commented, “Really, what’s the point of VAR? One of the most obvious punishments you will ever see wasn’t applied.
“Wolves have been absolutely robbed of a penalty there, disgraceful,” one person said in agreement.
“How is that not a penalty, Onana has taken out Sasa Kalajdzic,” yelled another.
5Gary O’Neil was booked for protesting as VAR refused to send the referee to review the incidentCredit: EPA
“If an outfield player does that I’ve no doubt it’s a penalty, think that’s another example of just how protected goalkeepers are.
“Manchester United extremely fortunate to escape that. That is a baffling decision.”
It meant Raphael Varane’s second-half winner was enough to separate the sides.
And Gary Lineker couldn’t resist a cheeky pun, tweeting: “An opening day 3 points for @ManUtd thanks to VARane.”
United boss Erik ten Hag was relieved the penalty claim went in his favour.
The Dutchman said: “The VAR looked at the incident and it went on our side so we are happy with the points.
“Andre was really brave to come out and I don’t think he had an influence on the touch from the opponent.”
It was a penalty was because Onana was nowhere near the ball.
Gary Neville
United won last night’s game at Old Trafford when French defender Varane nodded in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s 76th-minute cross from close range.
But the visitors – under new boss O’Neil – managed 23 shots on target – the highest from an away team in a Prem match at Old Trafford since Chelsea’s 25 in November, 2005.
O’Neil added: “To come to Old Trafford and have the most shots of any side since 2005 and dominate after just four days of work is exceptional.
“The lads deserved more tonight.”
United captain Bruno Fernandes said: “Sometimes you have to find a way to win.”
And match-winner Varane added: “We are very happy. It was a tough game against a very good team. It’s a good start to the season, three points, clean sheet.”
5Andre Onana kept a Man Utd clean sheet on his Prem debut Credit: Getty