Manchester United defender Harry Maguire may have told Everton goalkeeper and England teammate Jordan Pickford that he was “surprised” the late penalty decision was reversed.
United came back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against David Moyes’ men at Goodison Park.
Everton had been 2-0 up entering the final 20 minutes of the match courtesy of first-half strikes from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
It seemed like United were headed for another humiliating defeat but Bruno Fernandes converted an excellent free-kick before Manuel Ugarte volleyed in an equaliser with 10 minutes left on the clock.
The Toffees nearly won it at the death after referee Andy Madley awarded them a penalty in added time. Ashley Young had been brought down by Matthijs de Ligt and Maguire, prompting Madley to instantly point to the penalty spot.
However, VAR intervened, advising Madley to head to the monitor for further review. Upon closer inspection, Madley overturned his call.
Everton players passionately protested and frustration spilled over after the full-time whistle, as a confrontation between both sets of players ensued.
According to Steven Railston of Manchester Evening News, Maguire was in conversation with Pickford and unsurprisingly, they talked about the controversial penalty decision.
Railston says that Maguire appeared to tell Pickford, “I’m surprised it was overturned.”
Harry Maguire is showered and has just spoken to Jordan Pickford in the tunnel. “I’m surprised it was overturned,” he just appeared to say, referencing the late penalty decision #mufc
— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) February 22, 2025
PA Media journalist Simon Peach gave his own account of events, indicating that Tarkowski joined in on the dialogue, shouting playfully at Maguire, “H, you better get out of here now. You s*** yourself!”
It’s understood that Young was also speaking with some of his former United teammates.
Debate over late penalty decision continues by the dressing rooms. Jordan Pickford & Harry Maguire were debating when James Tarkowski came out & shouted playfully: “H, you better get out of here now. You s*** yourself!” Ashley Young has been speaking to former #MUFC team-mates
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) February 22, 2025
Whether Maguire meant that it shouldn’t have been a penalty or he was “surprised” the decision was given in United’s favour is anyone’s guess really.
In his post-match remarks, Fernandes insisted that Madley made the right call and it was not a penalty – sentiments that were echoed by Ruben Amorim.
Moyes said about it [via MEN], “I can’t understand why the referee onfield makes the decision, if it was clear and obvious he should go to the screen, I didn’t see that, he pulls his jersey. I thought the referee made the correct decision at the time and he should stick with it.”
“I think everybody who watches football we are all looking forward to a referee saying ‘no I am sticking to what I have done’. They are being told they are absolutely wrong.”
“If it was absolutely clear and obvious, that is what we have got VAR for. I think I have been the opposition manager I would be saying there is a pull on the jersey, this could be close. I don’t really know who you would blame.”
United are back in action on Wednesday when they host Ipswich Town.
Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
