Everton manager David Moyes and image of controversy in Everton vs Manchester United

David MoyesImago and Sky Sports Main Event

Lee Hendrie stunned by 'unbelievable' footage that preceded Everton vs Man United controversy

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Published on:

06 Sep 2026, 3:40 pm

Lee Hendrie was astounded by Marcus Rashford's movement in the build up to controversy involving James Tarkowski in Everton's draw with Manchester United.

Everton played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with the Red Devils, with all four goals coming in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

United twice led thanks to well-taken goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, with Tyrique George scoring his first Everton goal in between.

The Toffees preserved their unbeaten record right at the death thanks to Ainsley Maitland-Niles' stunner off the bench on his first Everton appearance.

It was a game not without controversy, though, and Thierno Barry thought he should have had a penalty for Everton in the first half.

James Tarkowski also evaded punishment in the second period, though it was what happened before that caught the eye of Sky Sports co-commentator Lee Hendrie.

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Tarkowski had his heart in his mouth with a challenge on Matheus Cunha.

Replays show it was a well-timed tackle by the veteran Everton centre-back, though all eyes were on referee John Brooks.

VAR had a check of the incident and decided Brooks did not need a second look at the challenge.

It was Rashford's mazy run and attempted pass to find Matheus Cunha that really caught the eye of Hendrie, though.

Speaking live on Sky Sports Main Event, Hendrie said: "What an unbelievable run from Marcus Rashford.

"This is outstanding, Rashford at his best. Positive, drive, he stays on his feet and cleverness, just to try and put the ball in the path of Cunha."

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Lee Hendrie reacts to James Tarkowski controversy

Shortly after his effusive praise of Rashford, Hendrie did react to Tarkowski's challenge on Cunha.

The former Aston Villa midfielder said it was a "risky" challenge considering where he was in the box.

However, he also added that Tarkowski had time his challenge to perfection and that it was the correct decision not to award a spot-kick.

Hendrie said: "Was it a penalty? Tarkowski gets enough on the ball. He does, just.

"He just gets enough purchase on the ball. It's a risky one but it's worth it, that is outstanding defending from Tarkowski."

Matheus Santos Carneiro Da Cunha

Benjamin Sesko

Tyrique George

Bryan Mbeumo