Graham Potter said he was surprised Albion were not awarded a penalty at Old Trafford this evening.

But he added he could understand why the crucial VAR verdict went in favour of Manchester United.

The Seagulls should have had a spot kick in the second half of their 2-1 defeat.

Danny Welbeck, who had earlier headed the Seagulls in front, seemed to be impeded in front of goal by Harry Maguire with the score at 1-1.

Referee Mike Dean saw nothing wrong.

Neither, crucially, did his video assistant Peter Bankes.

The incident would have handed the Seagulls a chance to restore their lead and could have seen Maguire red-carded.

Albion boss Potter said “I was surprised it was not given live because it felt like a penalty and when I watched it back it looked like a penalty.

“But, once it does not get given, you can see why VAR don’t overrule it.”

Bankes was the video official who awarded Southampton a contentious and decisive penalty earlier this season for a foul by Solly March which appeared to be outside the box.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood gave United a win which rewarded their second-half improvement having been second best in the opening 45 minutes.