Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, said that he had doubts regarding Bruno Fernandes’ decision to award a penalty during Monday’s 2-0 FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.
In the 22nd minute, Diogo Dalot curved his shot into the bottom corner of the goal from just beyond the penalty area to give the Red Devils the early lead. But the Premier League team missed a number of chances, with Rasmus Hojlund, a striker, heading against the wall in the 29th minute from close range.
To the joy of United supporters, skipper Bruno Fernandes eventually got a penalty. The playmaker was adjudged to have been fouled by Liam Shaw in the box in the 74th minute. But Anthony Taylor’s ruling has been considered to be soft. The Portugal international scored the penalty kick to extend his team’s advantage.
When asked what he thought about the controversial penalty call. The Dutch manager said, “I couldn’t tell. I haven’t seen (it since, It’s too far away from my position.”
14 of the 33 efforts made by the Red Devils were on target. In the fourth round, they will play either National League side Eastleigh or League Two team Newport County.
This Sunday Manchester United will play their first Premier League match as they face Tottenham Hotspur, currently in fifth place. With 31 points, the Red Devils sit eight places behind Arsenal in fourth place in the rankings.
“We are encouraging players to dive” : Bruno Fernandes
During Manchester United’s FA Cup victory against Wigan Athletic, Bruno Fernandes attempted to get a penalty. But pundit Danny Murphy was not impressed with the penalty call at all. As can be seen on the replays, the Portugal international received a penalty for slight contact.
Murphy responded to the player’s dramatic tumble inside the box by telling talkSPORT that, “There is a tiny little touch, and, unfortunately, what we are doing by giving those penalties, is we are encouraging players to dive with any, any contact. Because there was not enough contact to send him over, and, then, he puts his foot on the floor and thinks ‘oh, I better go over’.”
