Solskjaer claims he ‘doesn’t know the rules’ after Man Utd reprieve

Will Ford

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended the decision to rule out Everton’s late winner in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

After errors from both goalkeepers, De Gea was in the spotlight in second-half stoppage time when, after he saved Gylfi Sigurdsson’s shot, he was beaten by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s deflected follow-up.

However, VAR later ruled that Blues midfielder Sigurdsson – who was lay in front of De Gea in his box – interfered with the goalkeeper’s line of sight and the goal was chalked off.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Solskjaer revealed De Gea’s initial reaction to the goal going in.

“It was a fantastic save – what a great save. He makes amends there going down to his right and then he tells us he gets distracted by the boy in front of him,” the manager said.

“I don’t know what the rules are saying.”

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti was shown a red card for his protests against the goal initially going in, but Solskjaer insists he would not have done similar if the goal had stood.

“I don’t think so,” Solskjaer added. “I’d have to accept it because they probably know the rules but David says he was distracted so that’s probably enough, even though he might not have saved it if he wasn’t there.

“One each, I think that’s what both teams deserved. They had the first half, we had the second half.”

Speaking about his side’s performance in general, Solskjaer said that he was “pleased” to have come away with a point.

“In the first half I thought we were excellent after a very strange start. You shouldn’t be 1-0 down after that but that happens but I thought our reaction was great.

“We played some fantastic football and we got to half time and we should have been leading but they threw everything at us.

“But still, we could have won it with the chances. We defended well second half with everything they threw at us in the box so I’m pleased with a point.”