David Moyes has admitted that he was "surprised" that a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Everton was overturned following a VAR review in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Goodison Park.
Goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure put Everton firmly in control during a dominant first half against a disjointed Red Devils outfit, and the Toffees were seemingly cruising to a much-merited victory.
However, Ruben Amorim's decision to bring on Alejandro Garnacho for Casemiro and drop Bruno Fernandes in a deeper midfield role helped changed the dynamics of the contest in Man United's favour, and it was Fernandes who pulled one back for the visitors with a sweet free kick on the 72-minute mark.
Eight minutes later, Manuel Ugarte's first goal for Man United - a controlled half-volley beyond Jordan Pickford - restored parity for Amorim's side and the momentum was with the visitors heading into five minute of stoppage time.
After letting a two-goal lead slip, Everton thought that they were given a lifeline to snatch all three points when referee Andy Madley pointed to the penalty spot after Ashley Young was felled by a combination of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.
However, an on-field review at the pitchside monitor was recommended by the VAR officials and Madley eventually came to decision to overturn his original call to award a penalty, much to the disgust of the Goodison Park faithful.
NO PENALTY- DRAMA AT THE END!!!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 22, 2025
Upon review, Everton do NOT have a late penalty against Man United! 😱 pic.twitter.com/HuCJVpf9NI
PL statement explains decision to overturn Everton penalty call
The Premier League has since released a statement clarifying the decision, posting on X: "VAR checked the referee's call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball."
#EVEMUN – 90+4' VAR OVERTURN
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) February 22, 2025
VAR checked the referee's call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.
After the match, Moyes admitted that he was surprised that Madley was advised to review the decision, but he ultimately has no complaints over the overall outcome.
Speaking to TNT Sports in his post-match interview, Moyes said: "Well, I've had a look at it and I think he undoubtedly pulls his jersey. I think after that, then you have to make your own mind up.
"I thought the on-fieldl decision looked to correct decision. I'm a bit surprised if [the referee's been] asked to go too VAR because I thought that it looked difficult to maybe change your mind on that.
"But I think when they go to VAR you very, very rarely get them to change them. It's as if the people on the pitch think those who we're seeing it on the telly see much more and understand more.
"Anyway, it went against us today. We're not going to complain too much about it, but that decision just didn't go for us."
Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand was on co-commentary duty for TNT Sports and his initial reaction was that Man United were in trouble as soon as De Ligt and Maguire made contact with Young inside the area.
"I was feeling the worst when VAR got involved. I was surprised it wasn't given. The contact is there," said Ferdinand. "When you put your hands on someone you give the referee a decision."
© IconSport
Should Everton have been awarded late penalty in Man United draw?
Ferdinand then acknowledged after the match that the decision to overturn the penalty did not meet the high threshold that VAR want for a clear and obvious error, but he added: "The more I see it, the more I look at it and go 'Ashley Young's probably made a little bit of a meal of it.
"I've played with Ash. He won't thank me for saying it, but I think he's made more of it than what it was, but I do feel there was still minimal contact. There was hands around his waist."
At the time the penalty was awarded, TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist said: "I can see why he's not given it, but I would have given it. I think there's enough of a tug on [Young]."
Meanwhile, former Toffees winger Theo Walcott was in agreement with the referee and felt that Young did not fall to the ground in a natural manner.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Walcott said: "It is disappointing for Everton not to get the result, they will be kicking themselves. I totally agree with the referee, I don't think that was a penalty. Naturally [when you are challenged] you don't fall that way."
A draw for Everton has seen them extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six matches (W4 D2), but Moyes's men remain 14th in the table and have missed the chance to climb up to 12th spot, while Man United stay one point further back in 15th.
The Toffees will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to the Gtech Community stadium to face Brentford on Wednesday night, when Man United play host to Ipswich Town.
Oliver Thomas
