Pundit lambasts Scott McTominay decision as Man United footage analysed
Noel Whelan has insisted Southampton should have had a penalty after Man United midfielder Scott McTominay committed “two or three handballs in quick succession”.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, slammed the “frustrating” decision from the Video Assistant Referee.
McTominay appeared to handle three times in quick succession under pressure from Che Adams inside the penalty area – with half an hour left on the clock during Man United’s 1-0 away win over Southampton on Saturday (27 August).
Referee Andy Madley waved away vehement appeals from the Saints players – and the referee was not asked to consult the pitchside monitor following a VAR check.
Bruno Fernandes’ second-half strike proved the difference between the two sides as Man United strung together a second straight win.
Whelan suggested the missed penalty call “changed the game” in the Old Trafford club’s favour.
When asked if he thought Southampton should have been awarded a penalty, he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah – when you look at what has been given in the past for less than that.
“It wasn’t just one handball. It was two or three handballs in quick succession.
“This is why managers and fans get frustrated with VAR.
“Decisions have gone the other way in the past, and it has the potential to change games and change momentum.
“The inconsistency in decision making is just huge – you only have to go back a couple of weeks to see a penalty given for a similar incident.”
In other news, pundit issues verdict on David De Gea’s Man United future after source reveal.