Speaking live, football insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Everton head coach David Moyes did not hold back in his criticism of both Sir Alex Ferguson and VAR after his team was denied a penalty. Expressing his frustration, Moyes stated, “I could see it in Sir Alex Ferguson’s smile from the stands—this match was fixed! How was that not given as a penalty against Young? The referee must explain this disgraceful decision! Manchester United never change—they are always favored and constantly escape punishment. This is exactly why people accuse them of being a club that benefits from unfair decisions. Football should be about fairness, not blatant manipulation.”

The Premier League has released a statement clarifying the decision to award Beto’s goal for Everton against Manchester United after a lengthy VAR review that lasted over three minutes.

 

Beto netted his fifth goal in four matches following a scramble in the box, capitalizing on a loose ball to fire past Andre Onana into the roof of the net. The goal raised multiple offside concerns, including whether Beto was in an offside position initially, if another Everton player made contact with the ball after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s header, and whether Beto remained onside at that moment.

 

Despite the scrutiny, Matthijs De Ligt appeared to be positioned behind Beto, and after a detailed review, referee Andy Madley confirmed the goal once VAR official Matt Donohue determined there was no infringement.

 

The Premier League’s Match Centre issued a statement explaining the VAR decision: “The referee’s original decision to award the goal was checked and confirmed by VAR, as no offside offense was committed by either Lindstrom or Beto.”

 

The goal ignited celebrations at Goodison Park, and Beto became the first Everton player to score in four consecutive league matches since Richarlison in March 2021.

 

Doucoure later added to Everton’s lead after Jesper Lindstrom set up an opportunity that saw Jack Harrison’s effort saved before Doucoure capitalized on the rebound. This put further pressure on Manchester United and manager Ruben Amorim, as his side struggled to match Everton’s intensity.

 

With injuries hampering United’s squad, the defeat left them four points behind Everton in the Premier League standings. Amorim’s tactical adjustments, including leaving Alejandro Garnacho out of the starting lineup in favor of a two-striker setup with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, failed to produce results as Everton’s defense, led by Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, remained resolute.

 

As United’s struggles continue, questions remain over their form and decision-making, both on and off the pitch.