Former Premier League referee states VAR problem in Manchester United penalty decision vs Watford

A former Premier League has claimed that Manchester United may have been hard done by in their draw with Watford this past weekend.

United were the better side throughout, but were unable to find the back of the net against a struggling Watford side at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo missing big chances.

But Keith Hackett has claimed that United could have quite easily been given a penalty.

Towards the end of the first-half, Craig Cathcart had come together with Anthony Elanga, who went to ground with United fans asking for a penalty.

After a VAR check, nothing was given, but Hackett has stated that he disagreed with the decision to review the footage, and that he has seen them given.

He told Football Insider: “I agree with Kevin Friend, I don’t think it’s enough for it to be a penalty.

“It’s not a clear and obvious error so I don’t think VAR can come in on that in its current operation.

“The problem is that the defender has gone in with his back to his opponent and stepped over the ball and the player has just run into it. That’s the problem.

“Yes, I have seen them given and I would have liked Kevin Friend to be a bit closer to be able to judge it.

“VAR have come in and said it’s not a clear and obvious error, let’s get on with it.”

It's a draw that will be hugely frustrating for United, in a game which they would have really liked and had been expected to win - especially with the next run of games coming as they're to play Man City, Tottenham and Liverpool in the next three weeks.

Ralf Rangnick's side remain fourth in the Premier League, but Arsenal now have three games in hand over them - whilst only being two points behind.