Manchester United Does Get Favortism, Apparently.

By: chris | September 22nd, 2009

If you’re someone who’s suspected that the set of rules which apply to a certain home team at Old Trafford aren’t quite congruent with the rules applied to everyone else, you’re not alone. Fortunately, those in your camp include those with the time, resources and desire to ponder this theory through pocket protectors and finely polished magnifying glasses. Their assessment?

‘Tis no longer a ‘theory’.

The Guardian did some calculations and unleashed their research on the world today.

After the controversy over Michael Owen’s winning goal in Sunday’s Manchester derby, the Guardian has looked at all of United’s league matches at Old Trafford since the start of the 2006-07 season and discovered that, on average, there has been over a minute extra added by referees when United do not have the lead after 90 minutes, compared to when they are in front. In 48 games when United were ahead, the average amount of stoppage time was 191.35 seconds. In 12 matches when United were drawing or losing there was an average of 257.17sec.

The average stoppage time added at Old Trafford in the period in question is below that given at Anfield, the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge. United’s is 205 seconds, compared to Liverpool’s 210sec, Arsenal’s 224sec and Chelsea’s 229sec. But there is also evidence to support the suspicions of many managers, players and supporters that United get preferential treatment at home. When Owen made it 4-3 on Sunday the game was five minutes and 26 seconds into stoppage time. In total, the referee, Martin Atkinson, allowed almost seven minutes, even though the fourth official had signalled a minimum of four. Mark Hughes, the City manager, spoke of feeling “robbed”. His sense of grievance will not be helped if he analyses the last three seasons.

‘Unsurprising’ would be the word of choice here, and it might be worth probing the granting of penalties, too. Lord knows how many times the phrase “you don’t get that call at Old Trafford” has been uttered.

It will also be interesting to see how Sir Alex reacts to this revelation. Perhaps with the same bullying tactics that he’s been accused of using to squeak a little more time onto the clock.

And expect Rafa to be hurriedly rushing together a press conference somewhere.