Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire unhappy with referee Peter Bankes for permitting Sheffield opener

Speaking after the game (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire has slammed referee Peter Bankes for his role in yesterday’s shock defeat to Sheffield Utd.

The Red Devils had a chance to regain top spot when they took on bottom-placed Sheffield United at home. However, the Blades were up for the challenge and snapped our 14-game Premier League unbeaten streak.

The match was not without controversy. Anthony Martial thought he had equalized in the first half, only for the goal to be ruled out, thanks to a foul by Maguire on Aaron Ramsdale.

The decision was in contrast to Sheffield’s opener where Billy Sharp made a similar foul on David de Gea. Maguire was quick to point out this inconsistency in referring.

“There’s no doubt that Billy Sharp’s is more of a foul than what I did. Maybe people will say both aren’t fouls, but not David’s isn’t and that one is.”

The United skipper does not see anything wrong in his challenge and believes the referee made a bad call. He went on to add that Bankes will look back at the incident and realise he had made a mistake.

 “I think the referee will look back and know he’s made a mistake.”

While it is frustrating to have decisions go against you, it cannot excuse what was a sorry performance by United. If this was the best that a ‘title challenger’ could conjure, then the very idea of the Premier League being the best there is would be thrown into disrepute.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lacked ideas and were unable to break down the Blades. Maguire can complain all he likes but it does not excuse us from not doing enough to win the game otherwise.

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Maguire did manage to score against his former side in the second half. The United skipper drew his side level but could not prevent Sheffield from scoring a second later on.

It is fair to say that United dropped three points on the night. This may prove costly come the end of the season.