Credit: Imago / TNT Sports

Harri Burton

Sat 22 February 2025 17:30, UK

Ashley Young dived to win his controversial overturned penalty in the dramatic 2-2 draw between Everton and Man United, according to Michael Owen.

The veteran defender appeared to be brought down in the United penalty area by a combination of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, with referee Andy Madley pointing to the spot on 22 February.

Following a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, much to the dismay of the Goodison Park faithful, with the Toffees pegged back after taking an early two-goal lead.

The incident has forced plenty of debate, with Madley called out as a “cheat” against Everton by Tony Bellew, and Owen has delivered his own verdict on the situation.

Andy Madley comes to “correct decision” on Everton v Man United controversy

Following one supporter’s opinion that Young dived, Owen replied via X [22 February]: “I agree! So in a roundabout way, the correct decision was made!”

With VAR focusing on the angle of Maguire’s intervention, he believes the referee eventually made the correct decision but also admitted de Ligt’s involvement was far more worthy of a penalty kick.

Had the officials focused on the Dutchman’s involvement in the controversial incident, Owen thinks the decision might have stood at Goodison Park, but it was not to be.

David Moyes’ side deserve answers from PGMOL

While Young does make more of the contact than he maybe should have done, there is no doubt that the Toffees player is stopped from reaching the ball illegally.

Under Moyes, relegation to the Championship is no longer a huge threat, having moved up the Premier League table since relieving Sean Dyche of his duties.

With so much debate ongoing over the decision on Young, Everton deserve answers from the PGMOL, and not wait until Howard Webb explains it on television.

However, until the Toffees are mathematically safe, the team need as many points as they can get their hands on. Given Beto’s incredible form at Everton recently, he would have smashed home the last-minute penalty.

With early goals from the in-form striker and Abdoulaye Doucoure, the Blues looked to be cruising to their second win in three games until Bruno Fernandes sparked an unlikely comeback.