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Ref watch: Three Jesus Gil Manzano blunders in Man United vs Roma
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- Ref watch: Three Jesus Gil Manzano blunders in Man United vs Roma
Manchester United came back from 2-0 down to beat AS Roma 3-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils looked set for yet another defeat as Michael Carrick faced the pressure.
A second-half turnaround would ultimately take plenty of heat off the Englishman, although his future still remains in question at least for now.
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The comeback could prove to be a significant turning point for Carrick, particularly after United's recent struggles.
But one result will not remove any concerns that have been had over the manager's abilities.
Especially as referee Jesus Gil Manzano may have had quite a role to play by not quite covering himself in glory at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha awarded a penalty for tripping over himself
The start of Manchester United's comeback emerged from Matheus Cunha going down in the box, and a penalty being awarded.
The Brazilian looked to race through on goal, with defender Gianluca Mancini deemed to have fouled him.
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However, on replays, while there was a hand on his back, the contact was not enough for the forward to have hit the floor.
And as you continue to watch the incident, you do then notice that Cunha had actually seemingly tripped himself up.
The hand on the back may have meant the incident did not meet the threshold for VAR intervention, but it should never have been given as a penalty in the first place.
Sources: Man United make Ivan Toney decision ahead of January Man United penalty should not have been retaken
The next blunder would not come too long after the decision to award Manchester United a penalty.
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As Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the spot-kick, the Portuguese midfielder would bluff his lines, with goalkeeper Devis Vazquez saving the attempt.
Manchester United would then find a stroke of luck, with the penalty ordered to be retaken due to encroachment.
However, encroachment rules state there must be a material impact on the penalty for it to come into effect.
In this incident, those who had entered the box early were on the opposite side of the box to where the penalty was saved.
And were nowhere to be seen when the ball was cleared following the save.
They had no impact on the outcome, meaning the first penalty attempt should have stood.
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Shea Lacey should have got a late penalty
Man United probably should have had another penalty late on as well, with Shea Lacey fouled inside the box.
As the United academy product attempted to cross the ball, a late challenge wiped him out inside the area by Roma defender Wesley.
The incident was completely waved off, with the score at the time being 2-2.
United would eventually end up getting that much-needed third goal anyway.
