Man United Draws 2-2 with Everton Amid VAR Controversy

Manchester United's VAR Controversy: A Lucky Escape at Goodison Park? ⚽🔥

Manchester United found themselves at the center of yet another VAR controversy in their dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on February 22, 2025. The Red Devils, under Ruben Amorim, came from two goals down but were ultimately saved by an overturned penalty decision in stoppage time. 🤯

A Nightmare First Half for United 😬

The game couldn't have started worse for Manchester United as Everton dominated the first half. Goals from Beto (18') and Abdoulaye Doucoure (38') put the home side 2-0 up and in complete control. United looked disjointed, slow, and uninspired. Even club legend Rio Ferdinand criticized the team, calling their performance "embarrassing" and "unforgivable." 🚨

United manager Ruben Amorim was also furious, stating:

> “We didn’t exist in the first half. We lost balls we cannot lose.”

United's Second-Half Comeback Begins ⚡

After halftime, United came out with more energy and purpose. The comeback started when Bruno Fernandes curled in a brilliant free kick (72'), giving United a lifeline. Manuel Ugarte then scored the equalizer (80'), marking his first club goal in four years! 🏆

With the game level at 2-2, tensions were high, and drama was still to come. 😱

The VAR Controversy: Everton Denied a Last-Minute Penalty 🤔

As stoppage time ticked away, referee Andrew Madley awarded Everton a penalty after Harry Maguire appeared to foul Ashley Young inside the box. Matthijs de Ligt also seemed to tug Young’s shirt, further fueling the home crowd’s anger. 😡

But then... VAR intervened. 🖥️

After a five-minute review, Madley was advised to check the pitchside monitor. In a shocking twist, he overturned his original decision, ruling that no foul had been committed. Instead of a potential match-winning penalty, play resumed with an indirect free kick for United. 🛑

Everton Furious Over VAR Decision 😤

Everton manager David Moyes was left fuming:

> “Did they look at the shirt pull? They only mentioned the part they needed to! You shouldn’t be getting away with pulling jerseys.”

The Premier League later defended the VAR decision, stating:

> “VAR checked the penalty decision and deemed no foul was committed by Maguire, recommending an on-field review.”

What This Means for United & Everton 📊

Manchester United remain 15th in the Premier League after securing the draw, still struggling under Amorim. They have now won just 6 of their last 22 matches.

Everton, despite the controversy, are now unbeaten in their last 5 home games and continue their fight for a top-half finish.

Should VAR Be Scrapped? Football World Reacts ⚖️

The decision sparked massive debate across social media and football punditry. Former Man United goalkeeper Ben Foster joined the critics, posting on X (formerly Twitter):

> “Yep, VAR needs to go. Not because of the right or wrong decision, but because it’s ruining the game. Nearly 10 minutes wasted today!”

Final Thoughts & Branding 💡

Manchester United escaped with a point, but VAR’s role in football remains controversial. Should it be scrapped, improved, or given more clarity? Let us know your thoughts! 💬⚽

For daily football updates, match insights, and exclusive analysis, visit Kingcrossbarr.com – Your Ultimate Destination for Football Content! 🌍