Carlo Ancelotti disappointed with Cup defeat to United

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti reluctantly accepted no action being taken against Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani for a clash with Yerry Mina after he went on to score in their Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat.

The Uruguay international made the crucial breakthrough in the 88th minute and to make it worse for Everton, he was probably lucky to still be on the pitch after appearing to grab the Colombia defender around the neck.

However, with VAR not implemented until the semi-final stages referee Andrew Madley, who it seems missed the incident as it happened while his back was turned, did not take any action.

Substitute Anthony Martial then scored with the last kick of the game as Everton chased an equaliser but the damage had been done.

“We didn’t talk about this at the end of the game,” said the Toffees boss.

“The rules were that VAR was not in this game, if the referee decided that Cavani didn’t do anything wrong we have to accept it. Full stop.”

Ancelotti was more disappointed that, after his side recovered from a shaky start, they could not see it through to penalties.

“We are disappointed because it was an important competition for us,” he added.

“We have no regrets because the team performed. We had a difficult start but after 20 minutes, defensively we were in control.

“In the second half we didn’t give an opportunity against a team which is really strong. We performed defensively, we were good until the end, we were close to the penalties but anyway no regrets, absolutely.”

He also praised his medical staff after they prevented Richarlison re-entering the pitch after appearing to sustain a heavy head injury.

“He is fine now. He has no problem, we are going to check on him in the next few days to see what is going on,” he said.

“Fortunately he was OK after the game. I think it was an unfortunate challenge, dangerous yes but I think all the players are at risk.

“Our doctor had total control of the situation and decided to take him out and I was in total agreement with him.”