By Keith Hackett

6th May, 2023 | 6:57am

Ex-Fifa official: Man United victims of major injustice as Marcus Rashford footage re-analysed

Keith Hackett has claimed Man United should have received a penalty against Aston Villa on Sunday (30 April) after the “wrestling match” between Marcus Rashford and Calum Chambers.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted “grappling” is becoming a real “problem” in the top flight.

As seen on BBC’s Match of the Day (30 April), Rashford and Chambers were involved in a tangle inside the penalty area, with the Aston Villa defender appearing to stand on the forward’s ankle as he grappled with him.

Referee Jarred Gillett waved away claims from the Man United players and fans, and VAR official Michael Oliver declined to intervene and recommend a review.

The Red Devils were leading 1-0 at the time of the incident and held on to strengthen their top-four chances with three crucial points.

Man United have received the joint-fewest penalties of any Premier League side this term (two), with Man City receiving the most (nine).

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I’ve seen these given.

“The problem we face is that grappling has now become a part of the game. This is a foul.

“In pure terms, a penalty kick should be awarded. It doesn’t matter that Rashford’s got his back to goal, or where the incident takes place in the penalty area.

“Referees have to see these challenges where the defender is using his arms. He’s even clipped him on the back of the ankle as well.

“This was a wrestling match, not a good bit of defending. Give the penalty.”

In other news, the truth about Sheikh Jassim’s £800m Man United pledge revealed.