In the aftermath of a hard-fought draw at Goodison Park, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire was seen conversing with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in the tunnel, according to the Manchester Evening News. Meanwhile, David Moyes caught up with Darren Fletcher, enquiring about his teenage sons, as Rasmus Hojlund shared a laugh with his Danish compatriot Jesper Lindstrom.
The mood among the Scandinavians was light-hearted, and Victor Lindelof joined in the banter with Hojlund and Lindstrom.
A joke sparked laughter, prompting Lindelof to exclaim: “Calm down, f****** hell! ” Although Hojlund beamed with a wide smile, he declined to discuss the match as he walked through the mixed zone, simply saying “no”.
Bruno Fernandes, having already fulfilled his media obligations with broadcasters, also politely refused to comment further.
Chido Obi, cheered on by the travelling fans, had made an impact from the sidelines comparable to Hojlund’s 70-minute performance. When asked about his brief appearance, Obi responded positively, “Good,” flashing a smile.
As the players began heading towards the team bus for their journey back to Manchester, the atmosphere remained convivial.
Maguire was among the first of the United squad to leave the dressing room. He engaged in a serious conversation with England colleague Jordan Pickford while Branthwaite departed for the home-changing area.
The contentious late penalty decision awarded to Everton, which was ultimately reversed after referee Andy Madley reviewed the pitchside monitor, dominated the discussion between Maguire and Pickford.
David Moyes expressed his confusion over a contentious decision in his post-match press conference, admitting he “couldn’t understand” why VAR had not reviewed Matthijs de Ligt’s clash with Ashley Young. In the dressing room, Young was overheard discussing the incident.
The conversation about the decision between Maguire and Pickford was abruptly joined by James Tarkowski, who jokingly told the former, “H [Harry], you better get out of here quick, you s*** yourself!”
Maguire reportedly seemed to comment that it wasn’t a penalty but was surprised by the overturning, hinting that Young “hadn’t helped himself” by going to ground too easily.
The debate carried on behind the scenes at Goodison Park, with Maguire, Pickford, and Tarkowski engaging in a light-hearted yet differing exchange of views on whether VAR should have reversed the penalty call.
Everton dominated the first half against United and could have put the game beyond reach, but failing to net a third goal after the break allowed an unexpected comeback with strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
Rio Ferdinand was seen walking through the tunnel, greeting players from both teams.
As Moyes made his way to the press conference, he shared his sentiments about leaving Goodison Park, acknowledging he would miss the historic ground but also expressing excitement about managing at the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
United’s last match at the iconic Goodison Park was undoubtedly filled with drama, and it wouldn’t be shocking if discussions regarding the reversed penalty verdict persist for several more days.
This article was first published on the Manchester Evening News
