Exclusive News Matheus Cunha in a Man United kit, William Saliba's tackle on Cunha in a circular inset
Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Main Event
Harri Burton
Mon 18 August 2025 12:14, UK
Man United star Matheus Cunha was at fault for Simon Hooper not awarding a penalty against Arsenal, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the forward’s exaggerated fall made it difficult for the referee to punish William Saliba on Sunday, 17 August.
Ruben Amorim‘s side pushed for an equaliser for much of the game at Old Trafford, with Riccardo Calafiori taking the lead from a set-piece thanks to Altay Bayindir’s mistake for United.
The Red Devils enjoyed large spells of possession, created plenty of chances, and were majorly thwarted by opposition ‘keeper David Raya, but Old Trafford erupted when Cunha went over in the penalty area.
Matheus Cunha and William Saliba tangle
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Cunha appeared to trip over Saliba, but with the Brazilian facing away from goal and the defender making contact with the ball, Hackett believes the correct decision was made by Simon Hooper.
Supporters were adamant that a spot-kick should have been awarded, which would have given Bruno Fernandes the perfect chance to score an equaliser, but all claims were quickly waved away.
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Amorim’s side were unable to find an elusive equaliser in their opening game of the 2025/26 season, and while many still believe that Hooper was in the wrong, footage has now been reanalysed.
Simon Hooper
Simon Hooper was appointed for Man United v Arsenal. (Credit Imago)
Man United miss out on penalty at Old Trafford
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There is no doubt that the defender made contact with Cunha. The problem here is that the player is already falling down backwards and was searching for a penalty kick.
“The referee is spot on. VAR isn’t going to get involved because it’s not a clear and obvious error. Players often exaggerate their fall when a foul has taken place, and that exaggeration often makes the referee not give it.
Arsenal
William Saliba was the one to challenge Matheus Cunha. (Credit: Imago)
“Saliba has made a genuine attempt for the ball, and Cunha is already on his way down. He’s not even facing the goal – why? There are lots of questions to be asked here.
“As a fan, I can understand why Man United wanted a penalty.”
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