'Scandalous' Manchester United penalty theory shut down by ex-referee after Liverpool fury

Sunday's dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw between Manchester United and Liverpool was not without its contentious moments, particularly in relation to the visitors' late penalty, which earned Jurgen Klopp's side a point at Old Trafford.

United went into half-time somewhat fortunate to be just a goal down after Luis Diaz's 23-minute opener, with Erik ten Hag's side allowing Liverpool 15 shots while failing to have one of their own in a tough opening 45 minutes. However, Bruno Fernandes turned the game on its head when he capitalised on a loose pass from Jarell Quansah, with the United captain expertly spinning the ball over Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from just inside the visitors' half five minutes after the restart.

United then led following a stunning turn and finish from rising star Kobbie Mainoo 67 minutes in, and were on the verge of another famous comeback victory having beaten Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Theatre of Dreams on March 17. Unfortunately for Ten Hag and United, Mohamed Salah levelled from the penalty spot with six minutes of normal time remaining after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was judged to have fouled Harvey Elliott.

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Neither side could find a winner as the result harmed both United's chances of Champions League qualification and Liverpool's title hopes, while the decision by referee Anthony Taylor to award a penalty against Wan-Bissaka drew criticism from United fans. Wan-Bissaka went to ground without touching the ball, but did not initially touch Elliott - and only seemed to make contact with the Liverpool