Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has claimed that referee Martin Atkinson was correct not to award Manchester City a penalty for handball by Manchester United winger Ashley Young.

During the early stages of the derby showdown at the Etihad Stadium, the ball struck the hand of Young as he slipped when attempting to get into position to defend a cross and Atkinson opted to wave away appeals for a spot kick.

City boss Pep Guardiola was unhappy with the performance of the referee, but Gallagher has insisted that the right decision was reached.

Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "He has gone with his head first of all and slipped, and the fact it has hit him like that and he is on the ground, I think the ball has hit him.

"His arm is already there and I do not think he can take it away."

City still held a two-goal advantage at the break, before United fought back to register a 3-2 victory over their neighbours.