Solskjaer Can't Stop Thinking The Referee Refuses To Give MU A Penalty

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims Manchester United should have won a penalty in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday local time.

Solskjaer was referring to the incident that occurred in the 12th minute when Marcus Rashford's free-kick was countered by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and the ball hit Callum Hudson-Odoi's hand before it was swept away from the dangerous area.

Referee Stuart Artwell briefly reviewed the incident on VAR reruns, but in the end, did not give the Red Devils any prizes.

"We should have gotten a penalty kick, it was so clear and bright, I can't help thinking why the referee didn't give it, even after he was asked by VAR to review the replay," Solskjaer said after the match, as quoted by Antara from MU's official website.

"Maybe they thought Hudson-Odoi's hand was in a natural position when he touched the ball," he added.

🗣 "We came away and it’s another good clean sheet but the next step for this team is to win these games."

Read the thoughts of the #MUFC boss 👇

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2021

Solskjaer even suspects that the decision is inseparable from the noise of the many penalty kicks that MU has received, as voiced by many coaches of the opposing team in recent months.

"We should have had a penalty, that's clear, and I'm a little worried we didn't get it after all the talk about us getting penalties so much fuss a month or two ago," he said.

"Of course, there are times when the managers influence the final decision of the referees, something that should not happen," concluded Solskjaer.

🔴 @McTominay10's return was one of several key talking points from today's Stamford Bridge stalemate...#MUFC #CHEMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2021

A zero draw means that MU, who are in second place, has now collected 50 points and are 12 points behind city rivals, Manchester City (62), who is firmly on top of the standings.

Manchester United will then visit Crystal Palace headquarters in Selhurst Park on Wednesday, March 3 in an attempt to extend their positive 20-game unbeaten run.