Harry Maguire said Manchester United must start winning more duels and play at a higher tempo following the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle.
21.11.2023 - 10:39 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United's Harry Maguire has suggested VAR is making 'life harder' for defenders with soft penalty decisions.
Maguire was visibly frustrated when speaking to the media after England's 1-1 draw against North Macedonia on Monday night, following a bizarre decision in the first half to award a penalty to the hosts.
Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis won a header to clear the ball and VAR reviewed the incident and a penalty was given, with the defender adjudged to have impeded Bojan Miovski with his trailing arm.
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The penalty was controversial and Maguire spoke to Sky Sports in the mixed zone after the game to give his reaction.
“Frustrating to play in. It was a tough game and the referee gave them a goal and then at this place, it’s tough when you go a goal behind, but great character from the lads in the second half," he said.
"It was a young side out there and we showed good spirit, good fight and on another day we win the game comfortably. We dominated the game, we controlled the game from start to finish.
“We had a couple of moments where we were a little bit sloppy with the ball, myself included, but we’ll learn a lot and move forward."
Maguire continued: "It was a crazy decision. I’ve said it for numerous months that it’s [VAR] making life harder for us defenders.
“Even in the Premier League, week in, week out we’re playing against top quality players and forwards but we can’t move our body. We can’t defend, we can’t make contact and you can’t put your arms out.
"It's making it too hard, too soft and for me it’s never a penalty. I think Rico [Lewis] reacted
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