Michael Carrick launched a scathing attack on the officiating following Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Friday evening, branding the inconsistent penalty decisions as “crazy” and “baffling.”
The United manager was left incensed after his side were denied a spot-kick when Amad Diallo appeared to be hauled down by Adrien Truffert inside the area.
Moments later, Bournemouth were awarded a penalty for a strikingly similar incident involving Harry Maguire and Evanilson, with the defender also receiving his marching orders.
“To give one and not give the other, I just can’t get my head around it. It’s crazy,” Carrick said.
Bruno Fernandes had given United the advantage from the penalty spot on the hour mark, converting after Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the box.
The Red Devils appeared destined to double their lead when Diallo went down under Truffert’s challenge, yet referee Stuart Attwell waved away appeals and VAR declined to intervene.
Within seconds, Bournemouth swept upfield and Ryan Christie fired home the equaliser.
United regained their lead when James Hill turned into his own net under pressure from Maguire following a corner.
Harry Maguire’s evening was ended early for hauling down Evanilson as the Brazilian forward attempted to advance past him
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GETTYHowever, Maguire’s evening took a dramatic turn when he was dismissed for pulling back Evanilson, with substitute Junior Kroupi converting the resulting penalty to secure a share of the spoils.
Carrick questioned the very purpose of VAR technology in ensuring fair outcomes across matches.
“That’s what VAR was for. Clean it up and consistency,” he stated.
“Surely whatever they think, if one’s been given there’s enough people to decide that it’s the same as the first. It’s two different decisions, so a bit baffling really.”
The United boss described both incidents as virtually identical, involving a “two-hand grab” on the respective players.
“Either way he’s got one wrong,” Carrick added. “Just the decision for the penalty, I don’t understand how you can be one and the other and give one and not. Mental.”
Bruno Fernandes both scored and assisted in United’s draw
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REUTERS
Captain Fernandes shared his manager’s exasperation with the officiating, questioning why the video assistant failed to intervene.
“I think we could have gone 2-0 up, and then we ended up conceding a goal, not getting a penalty and then we get a penalty against, where more or less it’s the same situation as Amad,” he said.
“What I don’t understand is why VAR doesn’t get involved in that situation.”
“Either way, he’s got one wrong. To give one and not the other, I can’t get my head around it.”
Michael Carrick says he was disappointed with the officiating decisions made throughout the game but pleased with his players’ performance 💪 pic.twitter.com/PDadkhhWla
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 20, 2026
Despite the frustration, United remain firmly in third position, seven points clear of Chelsea in sixth and well-placed for Champions League qualification.
The Red Devils face Leeds United following the international break.
