Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Main Event

Harri Burton

Mon 18 August 2025 12:26, UK

Harry Maguire was attempting to buy a last-minute penalty off Simon Hooper as Man United faced defeat against Arsenal, according to Keith Hackett.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, despite the centre-back’s frustrations, the referee made the right call in front of a frustrated Old Trafford crowd.

Altay Bayindir has been blamed for Arsenal’s opener and eventual winner on Sunday, 17 August, having been muscled out of the way by William Saliba at a corner before Riccardo Calafiori nodded home.

Hooper was forced to deal with several controversial incidents, with Matheus Cunha wanting a penalty after Saliba’s challenge on the attacker, but the Red Devils were forced to taste defeat in their Premier League opener.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Maguire, and likely Ruben Amorim, was screaming for a late penalty kick after appearing to be brought down by Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes, but to no avail, as a corner kick was awarded.

The England international had replaced Luke Shaw for the final 10 minutes, causing plenty of chaos inside the Gunners’ penalty area, but it was too little too late for the Red Devils.

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Fans argued that Maguire’s shirt was being pulled, which should have been enough to warrant a penalty being awarded, but Hackett has suggested that it was the United player who made initial contact.

Harry Maguire was left frustrated at Old Trafford.

(Credit: Imago)

It was a far better performance than many would have expected from Amorim’s players, having suffered such a disastrous 2024/25 campaign, but it was not enough to claim any points against Mikel Arteta‘s side.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I don’t see it as a penalty kick, I see it as him trying to manufacture a penalty.

The referee, again, has got it spot on.

“Players are going to do this when they’re 1-0 down. Harry is moving towards the player, looking to go down, and the initial contact is of his making, so the referee has made the right decision.” 

Amorim will want to strengthen his midfield (Credit: Imago)

The Red Devils turn their attention to Fulham when they travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday, 24 August.
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.