The Premier League has revealed why Manchester United midfielder Fred wasn’t awarded a penalty after he appeared to be fouled by Nicolas Otamendi during the Manchester derby on Sunday as the Red Devils came out on top 2-0.

The Brazilian midfielder went down in the first-half inside the Manchester City box after a collision with Otamendi.

But instead of being awarded a penalty, Fred was instead shown a yellow card by referee Mike Dean for simulation, with VAR opting not to overturn the decision.

That call came as a surprise to many who watched a replay of the incident, with Otamendi clearly shown to have kicked Fred’s shin.

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However, the Premier League told Sky Sports: “The degree of contact was not sufficient enough.”

Commentator and ex-United defender Gary Neville said he that he believed a penalty should have been awarded.

“I think it's a penalty. He's kicked Fred's shin,” Neville said. “It wasn't a dive. It certainly wasn't a yellow card.”

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Roy Keane insisted at half-time that he was completely flabbergasted that United were not given a spot-kick.

“I’m scratching my head,” the Irishman said. “I think it is a blatant penalty.

“Fred gets booked for a yellow card, but does he not kick his leg here? He takes him out!

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“He exaggerates the dive, of course he does, that is what they all do. But it is a foul, surely.”

United went on to win the match 2-0 thanks to Anthony Martial’s volleyed opener on the half hour mark, before Scott McTominay pounced on another error from Ederson to score into an empty net.

The defeat means Liverpool are now just two wins away from securing their first Premier League title.

• Manchester United FC
• Manchester City FC
• Gary Neville
• Premier League

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