Premier League release statement as Man Utd are denied penalty after Ruben Dias’ challenge on Rasmus Hojlund
THE Premier League addressed Manchester United’s appeal for a penalty during the derby with arch rivals Manchester City.United ace Rasmus Hojlund went down inside the box during a challenge with City star Ruben Dias, who appeared to put his leg in front of the striker on 64 minutes at the Etihad.Man Utd’s Rasmus Hojlund went down during a challenge by Man City’s Ruben Dias inside the areaThe Premier League claimed there was ‘normal contact’However, referee Anthony Taylor waved play on and a VAR check agreed with him while the game was 1-0 in favour of the Citizens after Josko Gvardiol’s opener on 36 minutes.And the Prem released a statement also backing Taylor as they deemed there was “normal contact” between Dias and Hojlund.The statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Hojlund and Dias was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming it was normal contact.”That led to a furious reaction from United fans who stormed social media during the game with Man City.Read More on Man UtdOne supporter tweeted: “Someone explain to me why that isn’t a penalty…?Another commented: “Normal contact in the box WTF.”A third wrote: “Normal contact is wrapping your leg around someone’s waist now.”Another fan said: “What does normal contact mean?? He tripped him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile one stated: “Cool. So defender can take out attacker without getting near the ball.”However, that controversial call didn’t cost Man Utd as they managed to turn the game around in a dramatic comeback and win the Manchester derby with a score of 2-1.’It doesn’t look good’ – Roy Keane tips Marcus Rashford for Man Utd transfer exit after he is DROPPED for City clashThe Red Devils equalised just two minutes before full-time when Matheus Nunes gave the ball away to Amad Diallo and then fouled him inside the area before Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot.And the visitors turned the game on its head only two minutes later when a stunning ball from Lisandro Martinez found Amad who flicked it over Ederson and sealed the three points with a fine finish.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s bets performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez pass, he then clipped the ball past Edersonn and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on ina deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zrikzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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