Everton manager David Moyes has ignited a fresh controversy in the Premier League, launching a blistering attack on both Sir Alex Ferguson and the VAR system following his team’s match against Manchester United. Outraged by a penalty decision that went against his side, Moyes openly criticized the officiating, accusing United of benefiting from favoritism.
Speaking live on air, renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Moyes was livid over the incident. The Everton boss claimed he saw Ferguson smiling in the stands, interpreting it as a sign of a pre-determined outcome. “This match was fixed! How was that not given as a penalty against Young? The referee must explain this disgraceful decision! Manchester United never change—they are always favored and constantly escape punishment. This is exactly why people accuse them of being a club that benefits from unfair decisions. Football should be about fairness, not blatant manipulation,” Moyes fumed.
The game itself was a thrilling contest, with Everton pushing Manchester United to their limits. A defining moment arrived when Everton’s Beto found the back of the net in a chaotic penalty box sequence. However, the goal was put under scrutiny as VAR reviewed it for over three minutes before ultimately confirming its validity.
Beto’s strike, his fifth goal in four matches, came from a loose ball in the box, which he instinctively fired past Andre Onana. VAR officials examined the play extensively, assessing potential offside infractions and secondary touches that could have influenced the goal’s legality.
While Everton’s penalty appeal was a major talking point, the biggest debate revolved around whether Beto had been in an offside position before scoring. The review analyzed three critical aspects: his initial positioning, any potential involvement of another Everton player after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s header, and whether he remained onside when the ball reached him.
Following an intense review, the Premier League’s Match Centre released a statement confirming the goal’s legitimacy: “The referee’s original decision to award the goal was checked and confirmed by VAR, as no offside offense was committed by either Lindstrom or Beto.”
Everton supporters erupted in celebration, as Beto’s goal placed him in the club’s history books—he became the first Everton player since Richarlison in March 2021 to score in four consecutive league games. His goal was just one of the match’s pivotal moments, as Doucoure later extended Everton’s lead.
Jesper Lindstrom played a key role in the buildup to Doucoure’s goal, feeding Jack Harrison for an initial shot that was blocked, allowing Doucoure to calmly slot home the rebound. The goal further exposed Manchester United’s struggles, as the team appeared disjointed throughout the contest.
Under new manager Ruben Amorim, United lacked fluidity and cohesion. With several key players sidelined due to injuries, their form has become a growing concern. The defeat leaves them four points behind Everton in the Premier League standings, raising doubts about their ability to secure European football next season.
Amorim’s tactical decisions, particularly his choice to bench Alejandro Garnacho and deploy a two-striker setup with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, did not yield positive results. Despite boasting attacking firepower, United found themselves repeatedly thwarted by Everton’s defensive resilience, led by Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski.
While Everton fans relished the victory, post-match discussions were dominated by Moyes’ explosive comments on Manchester United’s alleged preferential treatment. The Everton manager remained firm in his stance, insisting that his team had been unfairly treated by the match officials.
United’s ongoing struggles have increased the pressure on Amorim, who faces mounting scrutiny over his team’s inconsistent performances. The defeat has highlighted deeper problems at the club, from tactical inefficiencies to player absences due to injuries.
As the dust settles, debates over VAR’s role in the Premier League continue to intensify. Though the system was introduced to enhance fairness and accuracy in officiating, it has frequently been at the center of controversy, fueling further frustration among players, managers, and fans.
For now, Everton can celebrate their hard-fought victory, while Manchester United must quickly regroup to avoid further setbacks in what is shaping up to be a challenging season. Meanwhile, Moyes’ incendiary remarks are sure to spark further discussions regarding VAR’s influence and the perceived bias toward certain clubs.
Moyes’ comments are certain to divide opinion, with Everton fans likely to support his claims, while others may argue that controversial refereeing decisions impact all teams. Meanwhile, Amorim has more pressing concerns—his tactical approach fell short, and his team looked unconvincing for much of the match.
Do Moyes’ accusations hold merit, or was this just an emotional outburst in the heat of the moment? And can Amorim find solutions to turn United’s season around?
