Latest Wolves news from BirminghamLive as referee Simon Hooper failed to award Gary O’Neil’s side a penalty in stoppage time at Old Trafford

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil says he received an apology from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after his team was denied a penalty against Manchester United.

Wolves were defeated 1-0 at Old Trafford but the scoreline could have been different if they were awarded a penalty in the 96th minute. United goalkeeper Andre Onana collided with Sasa Kalajdzic but referee Simon Hooper did not award a penalty.

Video Assistant Referee Michael Salisbury felt the decision was not a clear and obvious error. Speaking after the game, O’Neil said: “Jon Moss (manager of the Premier League’s elite group of officials) said it was a blatant penalty and should have been given – fair play to him, he apologised.

“I have spent a lot of time with him today to understand the new guidelines, trying not to get myself booked in the first game, which I have failed in. But fair play to Jon for coming out and saying it was a clear and obvious error – he couldn’t believe the on-field referee didn’t give it and can’t believe VAR

“It probably made me feel worse, actually, because you know you are right. I feel worse about leaving with nothing. Live, I was told they didn’t think it was a clear and obvious error.”

It is understood that PGMOL chief Howard Webb also contacted Wolves officials to issue an apology for the mistake after the game.

Meanwhile United boss Erik ten Hag added: “It can always happen,” when asked if he was concerned that Hooper would head to the monitor. “VAR looked at it and decided not to give, of course we are pleased with it. I don’t feel I have to react on [O’Neil’s] interpretation.

“It’s about the referee and the VAR. I think the two players from Wolves come together and Andre didn’t interfere [with] the action from both of them, first is the pouch of the ball from Dawson and then came Andre.”

Despite the defeat, Wolves came away with 23 attempts at goal, while United registered 15. It was the most attempts by a visiting side at Old Trafford in the Premier League since November 2005. “It was a tough game and the start is always difficult in a season for every team,” Ten Hag admitted.

“We can be much better on the ball, we’ve proven last season and also in pre season, but you see pre-season is not the season, when the league starts opponents are more aggressive. Wolves were very aggressive but our skills could be better in decision-making and when we were in a battle we weren’t aggressive enough.”