Manchester United’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton has left supporters debating one of the biggest talking points of the match: should Matheus Cunha have been awarded a penalty?
With United leading after Bryan Mbeumo’s second-half opener, Marcus Rashford produced a brilliant run into the Everton box before attempting to find Cunha near the six-yard area. As Cunha moved to finish the opportunity, James Tarkowski threw himself into the challenge and managed to get a touch on the ball.
Cunha went down immediately, and United players appealed for a penalty.
Referee John Brooks was having none of it.
The decision was checked by VAR, but Paul Howard did not recommend an on-field review, meaning the original decision stood.
That is where the controversy really begins.
There is a strong argument that Tarkowski made an excellent last-second defensive intervention. The Everton captain did appear to make contact with the ball first, and former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie backed Brooks’ decision, arguing that the challenge was a legitimate tackle.
But United supporters have a completely different view.
The frustration comes from what happened immediately after Tarkowski touched the ball. His challenge also appeared to catch Cunha, leaving the Brazilian striker on the ground and United wondering why there was no penalty.
And that raises the question that has been circulating ever since the final whistle.
If a defender gets the ball but also catches the attacker in the process, does the initial touch automatically make the challenge legal?
That is where opinions are split.
The incident was particularly important because United were chasing a second goal and ultimately failed to hold onto their advantage. Benjamin Sesko headed United back in front in the 88th minute, only for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to produce a stunning stoppage-time equaliser and rescue a point for Everton.
Had Cunha been awarded the penalty and United converted it, the entire ending could have looked completely different.
Instead, United left Hill Dickinson Stadium with two goals, one point and plenty of frustration.
The replay will undoubtedly continue to divide opinion. Some will argue that Tarkowski’s touch on the ball proves he won the challenge fairly. Others will point to the contact on Cunha and insist that getting a touch on the ball cannot automatically excuse everything that follows.
For Manchester United fans, however, the frustration is simple.
They saw their striker go down inside the box, saw the challenge checked by VAR and still saw no penalty given.
Penalty or brilliant tackle?
That debate is not going away anytime soon.
