Ex referee Graham Poll spoke on Rashford’s controversial part in Bruno Fernandes’ opening United goal, “It hinges on whether he is affecting the opponents with his positioning. I can argue from my perspective that he doesn’t. I know Manuel Akanji said he stopped to play Rashford offside. Well that’s a mistake by Akanji not Darren Cann or Michael Oliver because the ball could’ve got swept 10 yards further left and then Rashford’s position is irrelevant so that’s a red herring for me.

You can’t argue that Ederson is affected by Rashford approaching at the angle that he’s bearing down on goal from. I don’t believe that a referee, who is totally engrossed in refereeing, would necessarily look at that at the time. If I had been refereeing I’d like it to have been given offside and if under review VAR said to rule it out I’d have said ‘that’s fine thank you very much.”

Pep is ‘scandalous’ to suggest derby refs were influenced by Old Trafford

Graham Poll said on Pep’s comments after the Manchester derby, “Pep’s comments…“We know where we’re playing and we know what happens here”. It’s scandalous to suggest that. You’ve got the most decorated and recognised assistant referee.

He doesn’t care where he’s doing the game. They give what they believe is the correct decision, not the most obvious or easiest decision. In their absolute heart of hearts they believe the decision they’ve made is correct and you have to admire the cojones of making that decision even if they know they’ll get flack for it.”

Craig Pawson was ‘lucky Arsenal won’ in NLD, Romero should have been sent off!

Graham Poll said, “For me Sergio Romero should have been sent off. He was involved in too many incidents which were highlighted by the Sky Sports commentary team saying ‘he could be off here and if not this time he’s got to go next time’.

He then made another two or three clear fouls and he was very lucky to stay in the pitch in my view. However because Arsenal won 2-0 the Arsenal fans don’t care and that’s how a referee can get lucky.”

Arteta endangering referees with his touchline antics

Graham Poll said, “I’m not a fan of the style of refereeing at the moment, it’s a bit too weak for me. As a result of that you’re getting more and more incidents where referees are surrounded. Managers are getting over involved. Look at Arteta yesterday having recently faced two charges, one of which was for him, yet he was still outside his technical area all the time and even entered the field of play.

I’m hoping Howard comes in with a fresh eye and tightens things up. I’m not saying I want to see five red cards in a game but things need to be stepped up and hopefully they will be.”

Ramsdale should have been penalised in NLD for wasting time

Graham Poll said, “The law that a goalkeeper can only hold the ball for six seconds is another one I would like enforced more. Keepers are never penalised. Ramsdale was magnificent yesterday but as soon as he catches the ball he falls to the ground. He then waves all the players up. They all do it. It’s infuriating.”