Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay escaped a red card for a high tackle during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The reign of Erik ten Hag got off to a poor start at Old Trafford. United went 2-0 down inside 40 minutes, with Pascal Gross scoring both goals for the visitors.
The Red Devils fought back strongly in the second half. They forced a string of impressive saves from Seagulls goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. United then pulled one back on 68 minutes, with Alexis MacAllister scoring an own goal following an accidental touch from Sanchez on the goalline.
Ten Hag’s side probed to find an equaliser, but it was not forthcoming. Brighton secured their first win at Old Trafford to kick off the season perfectly.
For United, there were few positives to come out of the afternoon, even though they looked more threatening in the second half. But they were perhaps lucky to end the game with 11 players after a tackle from McTominay.
Scott McTominay avoids red card after VAR
On 25 minutes, Scott McTominay received the first United booking of the season for a foul on Seagulls midfielder Moises Caicedo.
VAR then checked the decision. On-screen replays showed that the Scottish international was perhaps fortunate to avoid a straight red for the foul.
McTominay received the ball in midfield, but took a heavy first touch which carried the ball away from him. In an attempt to recover, he lunged towards the ball. Although he did win the ball, he also connected with the top of Caicedo’s ankle in a dangerous follow-through.
It is the kind of tackle that referees have often punished with a sending-off in recent seasons, with the impact of the follow-through considered as well as whether the player won the ball.
What may have saved McTominay is the relatively low height of the challenge, but it certainly isn’t a good one. One comparison is with Everton’s Mason Holgate, who was sent off for a high challenge on Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg last season. He won the ball as well, but his foot connected with the Danish midfielder at a far higher angle.
McTominay escaped with his booking, and was later replaced by Donny van de Beek in the second half.
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