Cooper lets rip over ref’s ‘too quick’ call
STEVE COOPER was left seething at the officiating as Nottingham Forest threw away a two-goal lead to lose against Manchester United.
Captain Joe Worrall was sent off by Stuart Attwell for denying a goalscoring opportunity at 2-2 before United later completed a comeback via a Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Forest boss Cooper refused to openly criticise Attwell but was clearly agitated at major decisions going against his side at Old Trafford.
‘You need things to go your way. I’m biting my tongue to be honest in terms of what I really feel because they are defining moments,’ Cooper said.
‘There were other things as well. I was surprised at how quickly decisions were made. You tend to see referees take a bit more time, particularly at the top level.
‘Of course there was a decision to be made, I was just surprised how quickly the officials . . . it was split-second stuff.
‘Everyone has talked to me about the decisions and how it should’ve been different but I have to look at the moments we got ourselves in good positions and could’ve done a little bit better.’
United match-winner Fernandes believes the team can ‘achieve great things’ this season, while his manager, Erik ten Hag, backed the squad’s spirit after a rousing comeback. ‘It is a horror start, giving them two goals and making mistakes,’ Ten Hag said. ‘But I am very pleased with the comeback, the leadership, how we stayed calm and composed and stuck to the plans.’
Thousands of fans sat in for an hour after the full-time whistle to protest against the Glazer ownership, and Ten Hag added: ‘They are entitled to have an opinion but you also see the fans and the team have a very strong bond. We made it stronger because a magnificent comeback will help.’
● DEAN HENDERSON, 26, is set for a medical at Crystal Palace today, though the clubs are still haggling over whether the move is a loan with an obligation to buy or a permanent switch for the keeper. United will now land £6m Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce as cover for Andre Onana.