Harry Maguire ‘makes stark admission’ to Everton player in unseen Goodison moment
Harry Maguire was at the centre of controversy as Everton drew 2-2 with Manchester United at Goodison Park.
The England star and Matthijs de Ligt bundled Ashley Young over in the penalty area in the 93rd minute leading to rapturous appeals from the Blues (22 February).
Referee Andy Madley initially awarded a penalty but was sent to screen by VAR and ultimately overturned his original decision.
New insight has since emerged on the incident with the Red Devils ace’s personal thoughts coming to light.
Maguire believes Everton decision was justified
A Manchester Evening News report has shared what Maguire told some Blues players after the contest.
After James Tarkowski had interrupted a conversation between the United star and Jordan Pickford, the report claims that he told the Toffees that it was not a penalty.
| Premier League 24/25 | Played | GD | Points |
| 14. Everton | 26 | -4 | 31 |
| 15. Manchester United | 26 | -7 | 30 |
It states that Maguire seemed to say that it was “not a pen, but I’m surprised they overturned it” before suggesting that Young “hadn’t helped himself” by going down so easy.
Everton will be raging with the decision
The Goodison Park outfit had carelessly thrown away a two-goal lead but thought they had a chance to win the contest after the spot kick was awarded.
However, that chance was taken away after VAR intervention in a decision that former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett and ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher have both criticised.
It is not hard to see why David Moyes was livid after the result, while Young did go down easily, there was not enough to overturn the original decision.
The explanation for the decision, that the foul was given on Maguire rather than de Ligt and the fact that the referee was not shown the goal mouth angle which looks a lot more incriminating as a result should concern everyone involved in football.
The debate promises to rage on amid fan complaints with the use of VAR and the way that the big six benefit from decisions more than the rest.
Ultimately, Moyes should be pleased with his side’s performance and how they dominated United but the way they allowed United back into the game and the penalty call will irk him.