The controversial incident, involving new signing Matheus Cunha and Arsenal’s defensive pillar William Saliba, has become the focal point of a heated debate that threatens to overshadow an otherwise encouraging performance from Ruben Amorim’s side.
The moment of contention came late in the second half, with United desperately searching for an equalizer. Matheus Cunha, who had been a constant thorn in Arsenal’s side all afternoon, drove into the penalty area, his explosive pace and directness proving a nightmare for the visitors.
As he attempted to get a shot away, he went down under pressure from William Saliba. While the initial challenge was fast and fluid, replays from multiple angles appeared to show Saliba making contact with Cunha’s trailing leg before touching the ball. United players immediately appealed for a penalty, but referee Simon Hooper waved play on. The VAR check was swift and, to the astonishment of the Old Trafford faithful, confirmed the on-field decision.
The crowd erupted in a chorus of boos and jeers, a sound that has become all too common in recent years when the red side of Manchester feels aggrieved by an officiating decision. On social media, the anger was palpable.
“Manchester United robbed once more,” one fan account wrote, echoing a sentiment that was shared by thousands. Another tweet, which quickly went viral, stated that VAR “ignored a clear foul/penalty,” with users posting screenshots and video clips that they claimed showed conclusive evidence of a foul.
But if the on-field decision was frustrating, the comments attributed to the referee after the match have sent shockwaves through the footballing world. In a private conversation that has since been leaked, the official is alleged to have made comments that suggest a different view from the one he presented on the field.
The exact quotes have not been officially verified, but sources close to the situation say the referee’s remarks will “definitely put him in big trouble.”
This revelation has only fueled the conspiracy theories and a deep-seated feeling of victimhood among the United fanbase. They believe this isn’t just a simple mistake, but part of a larger, ongoing pattern of poor officiating that consistently goes against their club.
The fact that the referee’s alleged comments contradict his on-field decision has led many to believe that the decision was influenced by something other than a clear view of the incident. It raises serious questions about the integrity of the officiating and the VAR system itself, which was brought in to eliminate such controversial moments.
The incident is particularly galling for Manchester United as it comes after an otherwise positive display. The team showed a new level of attacking intent and cohesion under Amorim, with both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo causing constant problems for the Arsenal defense. The penalty, had it been awarded, would have given United a golden opportunity to get back into a game they arguably deserved more from.
While fans are rightly incensed, this incident also puts new pressure on the club to demand greater accountability from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Manager Ruben Amorim, a manager who prefers to focus on what he can control, chose his words carefully in his post-match press conference. “I don’t want to talk about the referee,” he said, a statement that was widely interpreted as a sign of his immense frustration. The club, however, may not have that luxury.
The alleged comments from the referee, if proven true, demand a swift and thorough investigation. This is no longer just a discussion about a bad call; it is a question of transparency and trust in the system that governs the beautiful game. The robbery at Old Trafford has turned into a scandal, and the fallout is likely to be felt for weeks to come.
