He also claims he should have had a penalty
Harry Maguire bemoaned two important refereeing decisions in his post-match interview following Manchester United’s disappointing 1-1 draw against relegation battlers West Bromwich Albion.
United went a goal down in the opening two minutes as the Baggies’ new signing Mbaye Diagne beat Victor Lindelof to a header in the six yard box, with David De Gea court in two minds.
Not sure who is more at fault for this goal, De Gea or Lindelöf, but it’s abysmal defending all round pic.twitter.com/Mfbmw8csb5
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 14, 2021
While United’s lack of communication let them down, Maguire claims Lindelof was fouled, as Diagne’s hand went across his face.
“We made it tough for ourselves conceding a goal which… For me it’s a foul.
“In the end we huffed and puffed, it’s a great save from Sam [Johnstone] to be fair,” Maguire said, after rattling the post in the dying moments with a headed effort.
“It’s disappointing to come away with a point, we felt we deserved more. We dominated the game, we played the game in their half,” he added.
“All of which is true, and while on another day United might have done enough to snatch all three points, their familiar struggles when it comes to breaking down a deep defence were there for all to see.
Referencing the West Brom goal again, Maguire reiterated: “Like I said, I think it’s a foul for the goal. But I think we showed a good reaction.
“In the second half we played with a great tempo and on another day we score two, three goals, and it’s a different story. But for sure, we need to improve.”
"I was so certain it was a penalty. It seems the decisions at the moment are going against us"
Harry Maguire 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝖓𝖔𝖙 happy with the big decisions at the Hawthorns pic.twitter.com/6KKPq34zzp
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 14, 2021
Maguire had another axe to grind, after the decision to award the United captain a penalty was overturned after the referee had checked it on the monitor. Unaware that he was probably offside anyway, Maguire said:
“I was so certain it was a penalty. I don’t understand why he’s been sent to the monitor to even check it.
“I’m goal-side of the defender, I feel a touch on my shoulder, he’s pulling me back. And then I feel a little clip on my heels. It was minimal, but it’s a penalty.
“Especially after the referee points to the penalty spot, you think there’s no chance it’s getting overturned. I was so confident it was going to be given as a penalty.”
PENALTY OVERTURNED! 🔄
Craig Pawson consults the monitor and decides that Ajayi hasn't made sufficient contact for Maguire to go to ground. No penalty.
📺 Watch on Sky Sports PL
📱 Follow #WBAMUN here: https://t.co/ABsCNx4Xf1
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/TUtycSFrxz— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 14, 2021
United eventually went on to steal a point thanks to the flexibility of Bruno Fernandes, but ultimately it’s two points dropped for United, who are now level on points with third placed Leicester City.
Pure and unadulterated from Bruno Fernandes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8PXFMYuliJ
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 14, 2021
Manchester City are cruising to this title.
