Everton vs Manchester United: Jordan Pickford tackle on Harry Maguire did not make enough contact for penalty

Pickford appeared to make contact with Maguire’s chest in a penalty box scramble

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Jordan Pickford did not make enough contact with Harry Maguire in order to concede a penalty during Everton’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Pickford swiped at Maguire during the second half at Goodison Park to prevent him from reaching a loose ball after fumbling Juan Mata's free-kick.

The Everton goalkeeper appeared to make contact with Maguire's chest while swinging to reach the ball and the United captain went to ground after the challenge.

Referee Paul Tierney saw nothing wrong and awarded a goal kick, though his decision was reviewed by Michael Oliver, the match VAR.

However, neither Tierney nor Oliver felt that there was enough contact between Pickford and Maguire in order to award a spot kick. 

Pickford has come under scrutiny of late following his robust challenge on Virgil van Dijk during last month’s Merseyside derby, which may yet see the Liverpool defender out for the rest of the season.

United went on to take all three points at Goodison Park on Saturday, with Edinson Cavani's first goal for his new club adding to a Bruno Fernandes double.

The victory relieves pressure on United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after back-to-back defeats, but Everton's winless run stretches to four games.

“We knew we had to get three points today," Maguire said after the final whistle. "It's early in the season and we don't look at the table but the points we have accumulated isn't good enough for this club.

“It's important to bounce back from setbacks. We did it at Newcastle [in a 4-1 win]. We started the game really well but conceded a disappointing goal from a long, direct ball and we should have had better cover.”