Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says it feels “unfair and unfair” that his team lost to a defeat 2-1 The nearest West Ham had received a debatable late penalty.
After rejecting initial penalty appeals, referee David Coote was sent to pitchside via video referee to check Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings.
After a long stoppage, Coote pointed to the spot and the United players’ inadvertent protests at a handball by Ings before Jarrod Bowen converted the penalty in the second into a small life of surprise.
“Before the season there was an instruction that VAR would only intervene on clear and obvious errors,” Ten Hag told the BBC’s Fit of the Era programme.
“That’s definitely not a clear and obvious mistake by the on-field referee.”
United dominated ownership and had the best chances in the first half, with Alejandro Garnacho hitting the crossbar and Diogo Dalot losing a recognizable role.
“We have to look in the mirror, we didn’t score in a good game on our side. We created a lot of chances and didn’t concede any, but when you lose like this it’s a bad feeling,” Ten Hag added.
“The way we awarded the penalty is unfair and unjust.”
The Dutchman said he had spoken to the officials closest to the game at the London Stadium.
“I spoke with them. But the decision has been made. There is no turning back and that’s football,” he mentioned.
“This is the third time I have felt an injustice this season and it has a big impact on our team, our scores and our place in the table. It’s not right.”
The result puts West Ham in 13th place in the Premier League, one playing field above Manchester United, who have won just three in their first nine games.
Asked about the penalty resolution, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui said: “I didn’t see it. The players say it’s a penalty and the referee says it’s a penalty, so I’m sure they’re right.”
“I want to focus on the closest they scored that we have the power and the sure momentum to win the game. I want to reserve that power.”
