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Silva: Referee 'made things easier' for United

Cape Town - Everton manager Marco Silva believes his team can feel hard done by after the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Red Devils took the lead at Old Trafford in the 27th minute when Paul Pogba put the ball beyond Jordan Pickford on the rebound, after the Toffees goalkeeper saved the Frenchman's initial penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after Anthony Martial went down in the box following contact with Idrissa Gueye.

Martial then scored an excellent goal just after half-time to put United two clear. Everton were then rewarded a penalty of their own after Chris Smalling brought down Richarlison. Gylfi Sigurdsson slotted the penalty but the hosts held on for the win.

Asked about the Martial penalty, Silva told the press: "It was not a penalty – it is clear the player dived, it leaves a bad sensation. I told the players at half-time it was not a fair result. When the game is balanced in the first 20-25 minutes, the penalty starts to put them ahead in the match and more comfortable.

"That moment, it was no penalty. It was difficult for us. That moment makes it easy for our opponents. You are more exposed then because you have to take more risks. They scored a fantastic goal, but we had a good chance to score at 2-1."

"Our one was a clear penalty, not like the first one," Silva added.

"The referee is there in that moment and it looks like my player touched the ball. I don't think it is a tough decision. I don't want to talk about it more because I respect the referee. One thing is clear is that without that moment, it would have been more tough for them. When you play against Manchester United, and in their stadium, they create chances. The referee made things easier for them, but we have to shoot better in some situations."

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