Erik ten Hag backs officials over penalty drama and calls for improvement after lacklustre Manchester United display
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Updated 15/08/2023 at 07:37 GMT
Erik ten Hag backed officials after late penalty drama at Old Trafford helped Manchester United hang on to beat Wolves 1-0 in the Premier League. United were second best during a lacklustre performance but took the lead in the 76th minute through Raphael Varane. However there was controversy deep into stoppage time when VAR flagged a possible penalty after Andre Onana collided with Sasa Kalajdzic.
André Onana
Image credit: Getty Images
Erik ten Hag has had his say on the controversial VAR decision not to award Wolves a late penalty at Old Trafford after Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic in the Manchester United box.
United were outplayed for large periods of the game against Wolves but opened the scoring in the 76th minute when Raphael Varane headed home Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross.
But there was drama deep into stoppage time when Onana’s challenge caught the attention of VAR officials before referee Simon Hooper decided to stick with his original decision as Ten Hag’s side hung on for a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
The Dutchman acknowledged the performance was below the standard he expects but was understandably happy to start the new Premier League season with three points.
“It can be better. We can play better. But we're very pleased with the win,” Ten Hag told BBC Sport. “The opposition were dynamic. We have to match that. We had to fight for our points.
“There is no easy game in the Premier League and definitely not Wolves. They're a tough team and we did really well. You have to fight in every game.
“We hope we'll be better on the ball in the next game.”
On Onana and the penalty incident, he added: “He had very good saves, was very calm, very good debut.
“After the opponent touched the ball he dived in so it was the judgement of the officials and lucky for us no penalty. I think you can debate it but I think no penalty.”
O’Neil: 'Moss said it was a blatant penalty, it made me feel worse'
Wolves came into the match at Old Trafford as a side seemingly in crisis following the departure of Julen Loptegui in the run-up to the 2023-24 Premier League.
But the visitors dominated proceedings, registering 23 shots on the United goal, the second most in a Premier League away game since 2003-04.
And they probably should have come away with at least a point. The former Bournemouth manager said PGMOL general manager Jon Moss admitted his side should have had a penalty.
"Jon Moss said it was a blatant penalty and should have been given - fair play to him, he apologised," said O'Neil. "I have spent a lot of time with him today to understand the new guidelines, trying not to get myself booked in the first game, which I have failed in.
"But fair play to Jon for coming out and saying it was a clear and obvious error - he couldn't believe the on-field referee didn't give it and can't believe VAR [video assistant referee] didn't intervene.
"It probably made me feel worse, actually, because you know you are right. I feel worse about leaving with nothing. Live, I was told they didn't think it was a clear and obvious error."
Despite the controversial penalty snub, O'Neil remained full of praise for his players.
"In the end we can't just focus on that decision. 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."
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