After Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix brought down Matheus Cunha inside the area, Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to equalize for Manchester United and the Red Devils won 2-1.
Bruno Fernandes has revealed what referee Chris Kavanagh told him while waiting for his penalty (Image: PA)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he was informed by referee Chris Kavanagh of a foul on Maxence Lacroix when he awarded Matheus Cunha a penalty, but VAR worked to see if the foul merited a red card.
After just four minutes, Lacroix gave Oliver Glasner’s side an early advantage before Michael Carrick’s side fought back to beat Crystal Palace. United were given a lifeline in the second half when the French defender pulled Cunha into the box, prompting Kavanagh to check the VAR monitor.
“After consideration, Crystal Palace’s number five committed a clear holding offense, denying a clear scoring opportunity,” Kavanagh said in a statement. “The final decision is a penalty and a red card.”
read more: Manchester United punish Crystal Palace’s red card, Benjamin Sesco scores again – 5 talking pointsread more: Manchester United’s penalty and red card against Crystal Palace explained by VAR intervention
After the match, Fernandes told Sky Sports: “The referee immediately told me it was a penalty, but I was trying to decide whether it was a red card or not. I know it’s a red card if you’re pushing and pulling and there’s no intention to get the ball.”
The Portuguese star came forward with authority to take the spot-kick and former Red Dean Henderson had no chance. “I worked with him and was there when he had his spell at Forest,” Fernandes said.
Bruno Fernandes scores past Dean Henderson to equalize for Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
“He even said at the end that he wanted to go to the same side as last week and make a save. Luckily he went to the other side.”
Fernandes then switched to playmaker and teed up Benjamin Sesco to complete the comeback and earn United a vital three points as they bid to qualify for the Champions League.
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The win moved them into third place, level on points with Aston Villa, but ahead of Unai Emery’s side on goal difference, with the added bonus of not having a European contract until the end of the season.
Villa’s shock defeat to Wolves on Friday night gave Carrick’s side a golden opportunity to seize a top-four spot, and they did so admirably.
“We still have a lot of games left, but it’s important that we don’t feel like we’re in the position we need to be,” Fernandes added. “We need to score as many points as possible.”
United return to action on Wednesday night when they travel to St James’ Park to take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.
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