Matheus Cunha and James Tarkowski
Matheus Cunha was tackled by James Tarkowski against Everton (Image: Getty Images)
The Premier League have confirmed that referee John Brooks and his VAR team made the correct decision not to award Manchester United a penalty in their 2-2 draw with Everton. Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the box by James Tarkowski, but Brooks waved away the visitors' protests.
Michael Carrick and the United team appealed for a spot-kick, but replays appeared to show that the England defender made contact with the ball and Cunha. United could have received a penalty to go 2-0 up, after Bryan Mbeumo had put them ahead shortly after half-time, but a VAR check did not ask for the on-field decision to be reviewed.
Having received the ball in Everton's half, Marcus Rashford surged forward into Jordan Pickford's area, leaving both Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite in his wake with some slick footwork before backheeling it to Cunha on the edge of the six-yard box.
As the forward shaped to shoot, a last-gasp challenge from Tarkowski dispossessed him, sparking immediate appeals for a penalty from United's players on the pitch and travelling supporters in the stands.
Although VAR swiftly reviewed the incident, replays demonstrated that Tarkowski had won the ball fairly before Branthwaite cleared the danger.
The Premier League has since confirmed that their panel of refereeing experts unanimously backed the decision to deny a spot-kick.
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Matheus Cunha looks on
Matheus Cunha was at the centre of another VAR call a week before the Manchester derby (Image: Getty Images)
They said: "The referee's call of no penalty was supported as Tarkowski clearly and fairly won the ball through Cunha's legs."
The incident occurred just seven days before Sunday's contentious ruling to award Erling Haaland's goal against United in their 1-0 Manchester derby defeat.
The on-pitch decision initially flagged him offside, but it was subsequently argued that the Norwegian striker was onside, with Patrick Dorgu's outstretched leg playing him on.
Despite this, officials overlooked the fact that Enzo Fernandez — who was offside — had interfered with play, meaning the goal should never have been allowed to stand.
Premier League refereeing body, Pro Ref, has since admitted an "error of judgment" by the VAR officials, with United receiving an apology.