Micah Richards delivers honest verdict on whether Arsenal should've actually been given a penalty v Man United

Today at 01:35 PM

A 10-man Manchester United put in a truly heroic performance as they beat Arsenal 5-3 on penalties in the Third Round of the FA Cup after the game was level at 1-1 after extra time.

Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning penalty for Manchester United to seal a famous win for Ruben Amorim’s side.

Arsenal find themselves in somewhat of a crisis, having been eliminated from the FA Cup, losing 2-0 to Newcastle United after the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final and reeling six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after having played an extra game.

Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was disallowed against Manchester United as the ball struck Harry Maguire and ricocheted into the Brazilian’s path before he finished with aplomb as the speedy winger was deemed offside anyway. Gary Lineker felt Martinelli’s goal was unfairly disallowed during the contest.

While Gabriel Magalhaes levelled the scores after Bruno Fernandes’ well-taken equaliser, it was Ruben Amorim who had the last laugh over Mikel Arteta.

Meanwhile, United scored incredible spirit by staying in the game despite Diogo Dalot’s red card in the 61st minute.

Micah Richards felt “really bad decision” was made to hand Arsenal penalty vs Man United

But one of the most controversial moments from the blockbuster clash was when Arsenal were given a penalty after Kai Havertz initially looked like he was tripped by Harry Maguire.

However, the replays showcased that Havertz went down far too easily and bought the spot-kick, which was eventually missed by Martin Odegaard after a brilliant save from the brilliant Altay Bayindir.

Micah Richards felt Arsenal were fortunate to be given a penalty against Manchester United as he criticised the decision from referee Andrew Madley.

Richards said via BBC Sport: “It is not a penalty, at all. A really bad decision. It is not enough for a penalty.”

Harry Maguire was visibly incensed by the decision.

But it is important to remember that VAR will only be introduced to the FA Cup once the Fifth Round begins.

Until then, perhaps more such divisive decisions may be made.

But Alan Shearer has chimed in on the decision as well.

Alan Shearer says Arsenal vs Man United penalty decision was “harsh”

Shearer agreed with Micah Richards’ verdict that Arsenal should not have been given a penalty against Manchester United.

The pundit initially lauded Bayindir’s save via BBC Sport: “Altay Bayindir gets down really, really quickly. He gets a good strong hand to it.

“I thought the penalty was a bit harsh, I really did.”

Ruben Amorim would have been delighted to witness the Turkish goalkeeper step up the way he did.

Bayindir was Manchester United’s weak link in their 4-3 defeat against Tottenham

The United number two’s save to keep Odegaard’s effort out was a case of justice being served.

As for the Arsenal skipper, he will be ruing his miss.

The Manchester United dressing room, however will be a happy place after their hard-fought victory.