Eddie Howe feels Newcastle United were unfortunate not to be given a penalty during the 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Sunday. Magpies striker Callum Wilson thought he had earned a spot-kick in the first-half after driving into the penalty area before being caught by Raphael Varane.
Referee Craig Pawson didn't see it that way, waving play on before VAR officials took a look at the incident from Stockley Park. The initial decision was upheld as the away end at Old Trafford waited with bated breath.
Speaking after the draw, Howe admits on another day his side may have been awarded the decision. "I've watched it back very quickly. I thought it was a very strong shout for a penalty," the Newcastle boss said.
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"It looked like as Callum was running and caught the lad's calf. I've seen them given on another day."
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was also asked about the incident, as well as a string of other controversial decisions, but flatly refused to comment on Pawson's performance. The Dutchman rejected the chance to answer multiple questions from several journalists, only offering this response: "I don't have a comment. You have all seen it."
The Red Devils boss was more open when asked about his team's performance, admitting he was disappointed not to have 'killed' Howe's side late on. The home team had multiple chances to snatch all three points but saw Fred and Marcus Rashford miss guilt-edged opportunities at the death.
"I'm disappointed with the result but I am happy with the performance," Ten Hag said. "A lot of elements of the team, the way we played, the pressing over the whole game was good.
"In the second-half the possession was better. We made an improvement after half-time and second-half we dominated that game by far. In the end, the mentality and how we kept going to give them problems.
"One of the most physical teams in the league. They had cramp and we didn't because we let them run. We broke them but we didn't kill them - by not scoring."
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