Man Utd fans demand PGMOL explanation as Ait-Nouri handball NOT given barely 24 hours after De Ligt penalty decision
MAN UTD fans have demanded an explanation from the PGMOL after Nottingham Forest were denied a penalty against Wolves.
Ola Aina‘s cross hit Molineux left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arm in the box just 24 hours after Matthijs de Ligt was penalised on Sunday.
Forest went into the break 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood.
But the scoreline could have been even greater had Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side been awarded a penalty for a handball by Ait-Nouri.
The Algeria international’s arm appeared to be outstretched in the area as the ball struck it in the 33rd minute.
It looks as though the 23-year-old attempted to pull it back in at the same time.
VAR decided not to send referee Peter Bankes to the monitor and no penalty was awarded.
The Premier League Match Centre posted on X: “The referee’s call was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his arm was in a natural position.”
Yet a penalty decision in United’s 2-2 draw at Anfield caused an equal amount of controversy as Liverpool were awarded a spot-kick after the ball bounced off De Ligt’s arm in the 68th minute.
The incident was missed by ref Michael Oliver in real-time but he later overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor by VAR Chris Kavanagh.
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Andre Onana dived left and almost stopped Mohamed Salah’s spot-kick but the Egyptian’s effort had too much power.
The PGMOL reviewed the two incidents differently despite Cody Gakpo being mere metres away from De Ligt, who blocked his Dutch team-mate’s header from travelling towards Onana.
The match centre posted on X on Sunday: “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by De Ligt, deeming that his arm was raised in an unnatural position.”
But United fans have pointed to the similarities between the two incidents as both players had their arms extended.
Youtuber Mark Goldbridge led the charge with: “Can the PGMOL explain why De Ligt’s handball is a penalty yesterday but Ait-Nouri’s handball isn’t one? De Ligt was far closer to the ball!”
Another fan wrote: “What is the difference between the Wolves one and De Ligt one yesterday?”
While beloved footie presenter Jeff Stelling had an even stronger assessment.
The former Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host wrote: “One of the worst decisions I have seen all season!”
A fourth said: “How on earth has VAR ruled out that Ait Nouri handball??”
One more fumed: “Where is the consistency? None of us even understand the handball rule anymore .”
The decision on Monday didn’t affect Forest too much as Wood doubled their lead 11 minutes later.
Nuno went on to beat his former side 3-0 to go level with Arsenal in second, who are also six points behind Prem leaders Liverpool.
Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool
Andre Onana – 7
Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.
Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.
Harry Maguire – 7
Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.
Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.
Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.
Amad Diallo – 7
Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball.
Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.
Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.