Man Utd SHOULD have had penalty for foul on McTominay in Palace draw that dented Prem hopes, says ex-ref Mark Halsey

MANCHESTER UNITED should have been awarded a second half penalty for Chris Richards’ challenge on Scott McTominay.

The Red Devils midfielder was brought down inside the box and Richards did not touch the ball.

GettyMcTominay was challenged by Richards[/caption]

PAHalsey says United should’ve had a penalty[/caption]

Crystal Palace could not have argued if referee Robert Jones had pointed to the spot.

VAR official Neil Swarbrick did not intervene because he felt it was not a clear and obvious error but had the spot-kick been given then the decision would not have been overturned.

It was a big call at 1-0 to United as Palace rallied to gain a late equaliser.

Michael Olise went on to score a late added-time equaliser, blasting a free-kick in off the underside of the bar.

The draw leaves United eight points off Premier League leaders Arsenal.

A win at Selhurst Park would’ve seen Erik ten Hag’s men move within six points ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Gunners.

Ten Hag was not pleased with his side failing to kill the game off with a second goal.

The Dutchman grumbled: “We dropped two points.

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“When you’re winning with two minutes to go…

“We have to invest more to get that second goal and then not be in that situation that a lucky moment costs you two points.

“We were 1-0 up. In the second half we had a lot of space to kill them and go for the second.

“I never saw we really went for the second goal.

“It’s difficult to say (why). I have to criticise my team. Go for the second.”