The very latest Manchester United news as Matheus Cunha's penalty incident with William Saliba is analysed by Dermot Gallagher.
William Saliba and Matheus Cunha tangle.
Matheus Cunha wanted a penalty on his debut against Arsenal.(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher reckons Manchester United were right not to be awarded a penalty in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Matheus Cunha went down inside the penalty area after a collision with William Saliba in the latter stages of the club's Premier League opener. After latching on to Matthijs de Ligt's pass inside the area, the summer signing was unable to connect properly with the ball.
Saliba seemed to make contact with Cunha's left foot, but referee Simon Hooper did not penalise the defender. Replays show that Saliba did touch Cunha with frustrations growing that the foul wasn't spotted.
On Monday morning, Gallagher discussed that incident alongside former Premier League striker, Jay Bothroyd, on Sky Sports show Ref Watch. However, the ex-referee has defended Hooper's decision not award United a penalty.
"I wasn't convinced it was a penalty, but I will say that if it is going to be a penalty, it's one for the referee to give, not one for VAR," Gallagher said on Sky Sports News.
Bothroyd then asked why, referring to the possibility of a foul being given in another position on the field. "How's that not a penalty? That's a guaranteed penalty.
"If that happens on the half-way line, that's a free-kick. Is it a free-kick on the halfway line?"
Gallagher replied: "It wasn't on the halfway line. I don't play that game."
"Why not?" Bothroyd asked. "A free-kick on the halfway line should be the same as in the box."
Gallagher then replied: "I agree on that. No, not a foul."
"That's definitely a foul. He's come through the back of him," Bothroyd added.
"The ball was there, he came through the back of him and hit that foot that he planted. It's a penalty."
Despite Bothroyd's persistence, Gallagher concluded the debate by saying: "You judge what happens and at that point, I don't think it's a foul. I wouldn't give a foul [anywhere else on the pitch]."
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.