Why Marcel Sabitzer wasn’t sent off against Leicester

Erik ten Hag’s project in Manchester is in full swing and his Red Devils secured yet another domestic victory at the weekend to embolden their potential title charge.

United are on a four-game unbeaten run in the Premier League after narrowly losing to Arsenal in January and their weekend triumph over Leicester means they are just five points adrift of the league leaders (who have played a game less).

Signs of progress under Ten Hag were on full display at Camp Nou last Thursday during a thrilling 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the Europa League. Mannchester United are on their way back, folks.

However, the outcome of Sunday’s game could have been very different had the officials taken a stricter view one particular incident. Many thought that January arrival Marcel Sabitzer was very fortunate to escape without a red card for his challenge on Wout Faes at Old Trafford.

The incident occurred in the first half of Sunday’s game after Marcus Rashford – who else? – gave the home side the lead.

Sabitzer challenged for the loose ball on the edge of the United box, seemingly attempting to flick the ball around Faes, who stepped up to intervene. The Leicester defender got their first, poking the ball away and was caught above the shin by the United midfielder.

While the contact was minimal and there didn’t seem to be any malice involved, Sabitzer caught Faes with his studs just below the knee and was subsequently penalised by referee Stuart Attwell, who didn’t even administer a booking.

While many, including Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness, believed Sabitzer should’ve been sent off, VAR officials at Stockley Park opted against changing Attwell’s on-field decision.

The rationale behind the lack of a red card was that Sabitzer’s challenge was not deemed to have sufficient momentum or force to warrant an immediate dismissal.