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VAR backs Tarkowski tackle as Cunha penalty appeal dismissed in United's win at Everton

VAR upheld referee John Brooks' decision not to award Manchester United a penalty after James Tarkowski dispossessed Matheus Cunha in the Everton box, with pundit Lee Hendrie backing the call as a 'brilliant tackle'.

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VAR backs Tarkowski tackle as Cunha penalty appeal dismissed in United's win at Everton
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Manchester United were denied a penalty appeal in the second half of their Premier League visit to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, after VAR reviewed and cleared a challenge by James Tarkowski on Matheus Cunha.

Bryan Mbeumo had given United the lead moments into the second half, curling a precise low finish from the edge of the area beyond Jordan Pickford. United then believed they had the chance to double their advantage when Cunha appeared to be brought down inside the area.

The move began with Marcus Rashford driving at pace into Everton’s box, beating both Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite with a sharp piece of footwork before backheeling the ball to Cunha on the edge of the six-yard box. As the Brazilian attempted to finish, Tarkowski produced a last-ditch challenge that dispossessed him, prompting immediate appeals from United players and the travelling support.

VAR reviewed the incident quickly, and replays indicated that Tarkowski had won the ball cleanly before Branthwaite cleared the danger. Referee John Brooks stood by his original decision not to award the spot kick.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie was unequivocal in his assessment of the incident. “Tarkowski gets enough on the ball, and he does — just,” Hendrie said. “The penalty has been checked, and it’s cleared. It’s a brilliant tackle.”

Hendrie also praised the build-up play that led to the incident. “What an unbelievable run from Marcus Rashford — this is outstanding, Rashford at his best. Positive drive, stands on his feet in cleverness just to try to put the ball into the path of Cunha.”

He added that while Cunha may have gone to ground looking for the decision, the quality of Tarkowski’s intervention made it a straightforward call. “Is Cunha looking for it? Tell you what, it is a risky one but it’s well worth it. He just gets complete purchase on the ball.”

The decision meant United had to settle for the single-goal advantage at that stage of the contest.

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