Man United will be delighted to have come away with a 1-0 win over Wolves this evening in their opening game of the 2023/24 Premier League season, but extremely worried about how easily they were taken apart at times by the away side.
Wolves had the majority of chances, particularly in the second-half, and can largely have themselves to blame for not taking any of their opportunities, which mostly came from dominating the Man United midfield.
However, manager Gary O'Neil and the fans will also feel extremely hard done by after they were not awarded a penalty when keeper André Onana came out to claim a cross but instead completely missed the ball and took out Sasa Kalajdzic.
VAR checked it but did not deem it worthy for referee Simon Hooper to have a second look on the pitch side screen.
On social media, there was a lot of anger towards the decision and a sense that not much has changed with VAR despite promises of more transparency from Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb.
Fans Rage At VAR After Penalty Call For Wolves At Man United
This is a genuinely astonishing decision. Could be one of the very worst. Imagine that at the Stretford End.
Goalkeepers get fouls for barely being touched, but they can launch into someone like one of the Hardy Boyz off a ladder and not be penalised! https://t.co/7rYR919M8c
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) August 14, 2023
— I M Λ 𝕏 (@_Syncopy_) August 14, 2023
SAF in the VAR room 😭 pic.twitter.com/5R1JaCNcuQ
— F9 (@FPLFalse9) August 14, 2023
"I thought the keeper almost took our centre forward's head off!" 😳
Gary O'Neil in shock that Wolves didn't get a penalty late on at Old Trafford 🎥❌ pic.twitter.com/0SqcWR07TA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 14, 2023
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Wolves boss Gary O'Neil not only had to suffer the pain of not getting the penalty, but he was also given a yellow card for his touchline protestations.
"I thought live it was a penalty. It looked like the keeper nearly took our forward's head off. I think it is a foul, you go for the ball and clatter the player that hard, it is a penalty.
"I thought he was going over to the screen at first but unfortunately he booked me and not Onana.
"I understand the rules [of sticking with the on field decisions as much as possible], but I don't fully accept it.
"I have spoken to the officials about it already. It is a difficult decision for the on-field official, we can't just leave it. If we are all saying it then he need to have a look.
"In the end we can't just focus on that decision. To come to Old Trafford and have the most shots of any side since 2005 and dominate after just four days of work is exceptional. The lads deserved more tonight."
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