Phil McNulty: Matic should have been sent off for tackle on Coufal
West Ham dumped Manchester United out of the League Cup on Wednesday, with Manuel Lanzini’s first-half strike handing the visitors sweet victory.
The Argentine was taken off in the second-half for Pablo Fornals after he was caught by Nemanja Matic, but the Red Devils ace could possibly have seen red for another incident.
He kneed Vladimir Coufal in the groin but escaped a booking with no VAR available.
BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty was not impressed, blasting the midfielder for his actions and questioning why he remained on the pitch afterwards.
He posted on his personal Twitter account during the game: “What on earth was that from Matic?
“Well I know what it was and almost felt it but absolutely ridiculous and should have been straight off.”
Poor refereeing?
Jon Moss should have at least warned Matic, but the Man Utd midfielder walked away without a booking, and David Moyes would not have been impressed.
His challenge on Lanzini also went without any warning, and the Hammers would hope the knock he sustained is just a minor one as they could with him for weekend’s trip to Leeds United.
The refereeing this season needs to improve, and while officials want to make the game flow, that should not happen to the detriment of players’ safety.
West Ham need all their players available given the number of games ahead, and hopefully, the Argentine is able to return to action soon.
The Hammers have progressed to the next round of the League Cup, and that is the most important thing.
After making 10 changes to the team that started last weekend’s defeat at the London Stadium, they were still able to secure a hard-fought win, and their quality squad depth spoke volumes.
In other West Ham news, PL trio want to sign Hammers forward with scouts watching intently this season.
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