Newcastle United were ‘very unfortunate’ not to get what could have been a game-changing penalty against Manchester United, Wayne Rooney reckons.
United defeated Newcastle 3-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday in what was a huge match in the race for Europe.
Kobbie Mainoo opened the scoring before Anthony Gordon equalised just after the break, but goals from Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund but United on course for the three points.
A late wonder strike from Lewis Hall set up a nervy finish, but Erik ten Hag’s sidegot the job done in the end.
Both clubs are locked in a tight battle to qualify for the Europa League and Conference League, alongside Tottenham and Chelsea.
This result, as well as Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Brighton, means that just six points separate the four teams ahead of the final day of the season on Sunday.
Anything less than victory against the Magpies would have all but ended the Red Devils’ chances of playing in Europe next season and sealed their worst finish of the Premier League era.
That fate has been avoided for now, but Rooney believes his former side got somewhat lucky after Newcastle were not awarded a penalty in the first-half when the score was 1-0 to United.
After giving the ball away, Sofyan Amrabat appeared to clip Gordon in the box but referee Rob Jones and VAR didn’t believe there was enough in it to give a spot-kick.
Rooney disagreed with that decision though, saying on Sky Sports: ‘It’s a penalty for me. Casemiro does well with his tackle, but Amrabat catches him on his left heel.
‘He takes him out. Newcastle are very unfortunate.’
Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones later reported: ‘VAR had a look. They said [they were] sticking to the high threshold.’
More to follow…
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Wayne Rooney begs Premier League clubs to scrap VAR ahead of pivotal vote
MORE : Marcus Rashford argues with Man Utd fan while warming up for Newcastle clash
MORE : Jamie Carragher pinpoints moment in the Premier League title race that will ‘haunt’ Arsenal
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
