Landon Donovan delivers emphatic verdict on VAR decision in Everton vs Manchester United

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Everton took a point against Manchester United, but a controversial VAR decision is the big talking point from the game.

The teams drew 2-2 at Goodison Park, but it was rather two points dropped for Everton, who had gone in at half-time 2-0 up.

United came back in the second-half with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, but then there was big controversy at the end.

Ashley Young was brought down in the area and referee Andy Madley initially gave a penalty.

However, he was then sent by VAR to the pitchside monitor to take another look at the incident. Madley then overturned his decision.

Alan Shearer said the VAR decision was ‘mind-boggling’, blasting the angles that were used to show the incident to Madley.

Many people – even non-Evertonians – were not happy with the decision, and former Toffees star Landon Donovan certainly wasn’t.

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Landon Donovan aghast at VAR decision in Everton vs Manchester United

Many can’t quite believe Everton were not awarded a spot-kick against United.

While Young did not go down particularly naturally, there was clear contact and pulling of Young’s shirt.

And that was the point Donovan made on X yesterday.

The star – who had two loan spells at Goodison – reckons there were actually three fouls on Young in one phase of play.

Replying to former Premier League midfielder Stuart Holden on X, he said: “Nope, 100% penalty pal. Maguire grabs him, De Ligt tugs on his shirt twice. Three different penalties could have been called on one play.”

Holden had praised the referee for overturning his decision, believing Young over-exaggerated the fall.

• READ MORE: What Ashley Young did as soon as VAR overturned Everton penalty vs Man Utd speaks volumes

Everton still in a good position despite being stung by VAR

Many will share Donovan’s verdict about the overturned penalty, with Young manhandled by both de Ligt and Harry Maguire.

It was a poor call from the officials, and it was strange to see the angles that were shown by VAR.

Everton are within their right to feel frustrated, but Moyes will also not be happy with how Everton let United back into the game.

It’s still a point, but the Scot’s side were well on top after the first-half and it was disappointing to see the visitors mount a comeback when there looked to be zero sign of one.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
8	NewcastleNewcastle	26	12	5	9	42	34	8	41
9	BrightonBrighton	26	10	10	6	42	38	4	40
10	FulhamFulham	26	10	9	7	38	35	3	39
11	BrentfordBrentford	26	11	4	11	47	42	5	37
12	TottenhamTottenham	26	10	3	13	53	38	15	33
13	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	26	8	9	9	31	32	-1	33
14	EvertonEverton	26	7	10	9	29	33	-4	31
15	Man UtdManchester United	26	8	6	12	30	37	-7	30
16	West HamWest Ham	26	8	6	12	30	47	-17	30
17	WolvesWolves	26	6	4	16	36	54	-18	22
18	IpswichIpswich	26	3	8	15	24	54	-30	17
19	LeicesterLeicester	26	4	5	17	25	59	-34	17
20	SouthamptonSouthampton	26	2	3	21	19	61	-42	9

But Everton are still sitting pretty at the moment.

A point took the Toffees 14 clear of the relegation zone and thankfully, that VAR will not prove too costly in the end.

That said, Everton now have eyes on finishing in mid-table, so to have dropped two points against United from the position they were in was a real shame.