Ashley Young hasn’t changed since his time at Manchester United.
It will be another week dominated by VAR headlines in the Premier League, especially since one of the decisions overturned during the weekend saw Manchester United take advantage for once.
Ruben Amorim breathed a sigh of relief on the touchline when Everton’s stoppage-time penalty was overturned. He had just watched his side comeback from a 2-0 deficit thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
Although United drew 2-2 with Everton and performed abysmally for 70 minutes, the team deserves some credit for forcing a quickfire comeback at Goodison Park, against an in-form side.
The game was not without drama as every pundit in the country prepared to discuss a decision that went in United’s favour.
Andrew Madley was the referee at the centre of the storm on Saturday afternoon.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Ashley Young gives verdict on controversial penalty call
Three minutes into stoppage-time, former United winger Ashley Young threw himself to the ground inside the box under pressure from both Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.
Madley initially pointed towards the spot – but VAR intervened before the referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor to review his decision.
The footage shows De Ligt pulling Young’s shirt, instigating the fall with theatrics. Maguire was also caught up in the tangle late on.
Everton fans feel more should have been done about the shirt pull, but they also want to try overlook the fact Young threw his body to the floor.
Young reacted to the controversy with a social media post on his official Instagram account after the game.
The 39-year-old referred to a famous Jose Mourinho quote where he avoided speaking for fear of being punished by the Football Association.
Young felt it was relevant to repeat after the game.
Young stats vs Manchester United
Young, who won a Premier League title with United in 2013, left Old Trafford in January 2020 for Inter Milan as he experienced life in Serie A.
He has since returned to Aston Villa and currently plays for Everton, where he is regarded as a veteran.
It’s always strange when former players line up against United, but Young has done it many times in the past. Perhaps he crossed the line by trying to con the referee to hurt his former club.
Minutes 36
Chances created 1
Accurate passes 4/10
Touches 21
Tackles won 1/2
Clearances 1
Defensive actions 4
Ashley Young stats vs Manchester United
David Moyes called upon Young from the bench as he gave him 36 minutes on the pitch.
The experienced professional made just four passes but managed to create one change while on the pitch.
Young touched the ball 21 times during his cameo.
