'Fearing the worst' - Rio Ferdinand and Duncan Ferguson 'surprised' referee went to VAR monitor in late drama

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Manchester United looked set for a 3-2 defeat at Goodison Park when Ashley Young won a penalty for Everton in the dying moments of the game on Saturday afternoon, but the referee eventually overturned his decision. Both Rio Ferdinand and Duncan Ferguson told TNT Sports they had expected the decision to stand after contact from Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.

Ashley Young

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Rio Ferdinand said he was "fearing the worst" when Everton were awarded a penalty, with Duncan Ferguson "very surprised" it was overturned.

In the dying moments of Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, former United winger Ashley Young appeared to have won a penalty for his current side.

Central defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire both made contact with the veteran and the referee initially pointed to the spot, before overturning his decision after a VAR intervention.

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Young had gone down theatrically, but former United defender Ferdinand told TNT Sports that he was expecting the decision to stand.

'So poor, so passive' - Ferdinand and Ferguson assess Man Utd defending

Video credit: TNT Sports

He said: "I think there was [enough contact]. I was fearing the worst when I saw VAR get involved and the referee went over to the monitor.

"I'm surprised it wasn't given. The contact's there, he had his arms around Ashley Young's waist, Harry Maguire, and you give the referee a chance to make the decision."

Ferguson added: "There is contact, he makes the most of it, but there's enough contact to suggest it's a penalty. I'm surprised he went to the VAR monitor, very surprised. I never saw a clear and obvious error.

"When I first saw it I thought it was a penalty. When you watch it back, he's making the most of it, but there's a little bit of contact and you see them given."

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