Manchester United fans have been left puzzled by referee Stuart Attwell’s decision not to award their side an early penalty during the the weekend’s 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town.
Jose Mourinho’s side were comfortable winners at Old Trafford, with goals from both Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez – his first in a United shirt – sealing the three points for the home side against David Wagner’s struggling side.
One of the game’s big talking points came twenty minutes in with the scores at 0-0, when young midfielder Scott McTominay was on the end of a clattering from Huddersfield loanee Terence Kongolo.
Kongolo – on-loan with the Terriers from AS Monaco – rattled into McTominay at speed in the Huddersfield box, with the pair both challenging for the ball in the air, leaving the young midfielder on the floor in clear distress.
https://twitter.com/ManUnitedCentre/status/960105710188146688
That wasn’t enough for Stuart Attwell to point to the spot however, with the referee waving away United’s appeals and signalling for play on.
McTominay subsequently had to receive treatment for a head injury, but fortunately was able to see out the remainder of the game.
The Englishman was a surprise inclusion in the side in-place of Paul Pogba, but certainly warranted his place with his performance despite his early injury scare.
United fans however are furious they weren’t awarded a penalty for what was without doubt a reckless challenge from the Huddersfield Town loan star …
If that’s not a penalty for McTominay, then nothing is. Absolutely moronic challenge by Kongolo.
— Jonas Adnan Giæver (@CheGiaevara) February 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/TheManUtdWay/status/959808976119582720
I’m not sure how the sport can progress with such ridiculous decisions. Clear penalty on McTominay, Kongolo should’ve been sent.
— Man United Media (@ManUnitedMedia) February 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/FootieUTgifs/status/959810077833203722
https://twitter.com/galactico_mufc/status/960133841892642816
https://twitter.com/JesseLingxrd/status/960243848684408833
Are you serious man? That’s a clear penalty. It’s a joke that you say he is diving when he gets run over by Kongolo. https://t.co/zilW3eDucA
— RatedPxgba.♤⁶ (follow limit) (@RatedPxgba) February 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/RealTalkUnited/status/959817798666129408
Okay so Kongolo can absolutely fly into McTominay and nothing given?
— Gavin Smith (@BoboChubbles19) February 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/jon_townsend3/status/959809311580016641https://twitter.com/RoDuSu/status/960065152132448256https://twitter.com/zonalmista/status/959931454846308352