Premier League issue explanation as Man Utd penalty overturned against Burnley
The Premier League have explained why a Manchester United penalty was reversed against Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United had a penalty overturned against Burnley this afternoon and the Premier League have now sought to explain why. Kyle Walker brought down Mason Mount with the contact initiating outside the penalty area but continuing into the box where the United No.7 fell to ground. Sam Barrott initially pointed to the spot but a VAR check saw the decision changed to a free-kick.
And the Premier League Match Centre said on X: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Manchester United. Referee announcement: 'After review, Burnley number two does not commit a foul on Man United number seven. My final decision is no penalty and drop ball to the goalkeeper.'"
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
United went 1-0 up soon after through a Josh Cullen own goal. Casemiro headed a Bruno Fernandes free-kick off the crossbar but it inadvertently bounced back off Cullen and over Martin Dubravka's line despite the goalkeeper's efforts to swot the ball away.
Yet the Red Devils were hit by an injury to summer signing Matheus Cunha shortly after on the half-hour mark. The Brazilian was in obvious discomfort with a muscle complaint and had to be replaced by Joshua Zirkzee.
The incident left Ruben Amorim with his head in his hands on the sidelines with Cunha, who has enjoyed an encouraging start to his United career, facing an extended lay-off. United do not play again after this until September 14 when they travel to the Etihad to face neighbours Manchester City in the first derby of the new season.
United went into half-time one goal to the good despite Cunha's injury, with Amorim in sore need of three points against the Clarets just days after their Carabao Cup humiliation at the hands of Grimsby Town. Arsenal hero Paul Merson predicted on Sky Sports News that if United do not win, Amorim would walk away from his job.
He said: "The manager is under pressure. I remember one of his first ever interviews, he said, 'I can't believe how many interviews I'm doing.' I was like, wow, he didn't realise how big this club is. I personally think if they don't win today, he'll go.
"I don't think United will get rid of him, I think he'll go 'You know what, I've had enough.' He wants to play a certain way, he's tried to bring in people that will play his way. For me it's worrying times. I think they win today. I'll be shocked if they lost today."
