AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola denied claims that Manchester United benefited from their big club status when it came to refereeing decisions going their way.

Cherries were left feeling aggrieved after their 2-2 draw with the Red Devils at Vitality Stadium on Saturday, feeling that two penalty decisions had gone against them.

The first saw Adam Smith penalised for handball, the defender caught out by the ball deflecting off teammate Ryan Christie and onto his elbow.

Christie was also involved in the second incident, the Scot cleaned out by Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala on the edge of the area.

Despite match official Tony Harrington awarding a penalty, a VAR check overruled the decision, instead stating that it had happened outside the area.

Immediately after the match, Iraola revealed how he felt that Manchester United did not have to be at their best to get results.

Asked why he thought that was, the Basque boss replied: “Because they are a big club and they compete very well."

Pressed if he thought the Red Devils’ big club status earned them extra sway with refereeing decisions, Iraola emphatically responded: “No.

“When I say this, I'm talking apart from (yesterday).

“I think it's a team, like I always use it a lot in Spain, with Real Madrid.

“Sometimes you play against Real Madrid and you are playing well and thinking we are doing well.

“Madrid catch you with the ball boom, boom. Three seconds, 1-0 losing.

“This kind of team that you think you are doing well against United.

“But if you don't take your chances they always find ways because they are very good in transitions. “They are difference makers at the other end.”

Cherries return to action next weekend, when they visit Aston Villa on Sunday, 21 April (3pm).