Ex-Premier League referee gives verdict on three penalty calls in Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has said that Chris Kavanagh was correct not to award Manchester United a second half penalty in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace.

United were adamant that they should have been awarded a spot-kick shortly before the hour-mark when Marcus Rashford tried to get the better of Palace's Joel Ward. As Rashford attempted to send over a cross, the ball struck the hand of the right-back.

United's players and supporters were convinced that Kavanagh should have pointed to the spot and awarded the home side a route back into the contest. However, intent from Ward to handle the ball, despite his hand being away from his body, was not clear, meaning United's protests fell on deaf ears.

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Kavanagh's on-field decision was analysed by VAR Peter Bankes, but he saw no reason to change it, meaning the spot-kick was not awarded. And for Gallagher, who refereed in the Premier League between 1992 and 2007, agreed that it was the right call.

"I never ever thought this would be given," Gallagher told Sky Sports. "It strikes him, there is no doubt about that. His arm is tucked in and it is just never going to be a penalty, for me."

At the other end, Palace thought they had two shouts for a penalty of their own. First, they wanted one given after Sofyan Amrabat, who was deployed at left-back once again, saw a loose touch bounce up and onto his hand, before Harry Maguire was deemed to blocked a cross illegally.

Gallagher, though, saw nothing wrong with either call, continuing: "I have got to choose my words carefully, haven't I, in view of how you see