Former referee Dermot Gallagher believes Newcastle should not have been awarded the free-kick which led to their opening goal at West Ham.
Miguel Almiron was brought down by Hammers defender Issa Diop just outside the 18-yard box in the early stages at the London Stadium.
The Frenchman picked up a booking for his troubles, and United took the lead when Jonjo Shelvey's free-kick was headed back across goal by Joelinton, for Ciaran Clark to turn the ball home with a firm header.
But according to ex-referee Gallagher, Saturday's official Stuart Atwell got this early decision wrong.
Speaking on Sky Sports News' Ref Watch, Gallagher said: “I think he’s got the wrong angle, I don’t think the defender touches him and I don’t think it’s a foul.
"The defender gets a yellow card and they score from the free-kick.”
United dominated the first 45 minutes in the capital, and could have been more than just the two goals ahead after Federico Fernandez added to Clark's opener. Shelvey made it 3-0 from a free-kick before a later flurry from the home side threatened to spoil the day for Steve Bruce and Co.
United now take on Bournemouth at St James' Park this Saturday looking for back-to-back wins and the chance to move on to 15 points.
