Former midfielder Roy Keane was unhappy when manager Erik ten Hag praised Bruno Fernandes for giving up the penalty to Marcus Rashford in the 3-0 win over Everton in the Premier League.
In the 52nd minute of the match at Goodison Park on November 26, Anthony Martial was fouled by Ashley Young in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Man Utd. Fernandes took the ball and handed it back to Rashford to take the penalty, then the English striker finished to double the gap.
Fernandes (left corner) watches Rashford take a penalty kick in Man Utd's 3-0 win over Everton in the 13th round of the Premier League on the evening of November 26 at Goodison Park. Photo: PA
After the match, Fernandes explained that he wanted to help Rashford regain his confidence and form, having only scored one goal since the start of the season. Ten Hag praised this action as showing the leadership qualities of the Portuguese midfielder. "You saw how great a captain Fernandes is," he said.
However, Keane was not happy with Ten Hag's statement. "Ten Hag praised Fernandes for giving up the penalty. It's rubbish," the former Man Utd captain commented on Sky Sports . "The team is sixth. A few years ago, if Man Utd were sixth, you would be embarrassed. But clearly they seem happy with this position. Man Utd have to compete with the strongest teams, Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal."
Rashford hugs Fernandes to celebrate after scoring a penalty in Man Utd's 3-0 win over Everton in the Premier League on November 26. Photo: AFP
Before Rashford's penalty, Alejandro Garnacho scored a masterpiece to break the deadlock in the 3rd minute. From Diogo Dalot's cross into the penalty area, the Argentine midfielder turned around and then leaned over to hook the ball into the far corner, defeating goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
"Absolutely brilliant," Keane praised his junior. "Really good play and a great cross. The way Garnacho touched the ball, the level of skill. Great goal. I usually criticise goalkeepers but I can't say anything about this situation."
In the 75th minute, Anthony Martial scored with a close-range finish, sealing a 3-0 victory. However, the scoreline did not reflect the reality of the match, where Man Utd had many difficulties, with only nine shots, four on target - compared to Everton's 24 and 6. This was the first time Man Utd won by at least three goals away from home in the Premier League despite having fewer shots than their opponents, since a 3-0 win over Everton in October 2015.
Keane was pleased that United's attack was able to score at key moments to kill off games, including Martial and Garnacho opening their Premier League accounts this season. Before the Everton game, the "Red Devils" had only scored once - Rashford's strike in a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal in September. "There's definitely a bit of confidence coming back," said Keane.
The win over Everton helped Man Utd return to the top 6 of the Premier League, six points behind leaders Arsenal. Ten Hag and his team were also given more motivation and confidence ahead of their trip to Galatasaray in the penultimate round of Group A of the Champions League on November 29.
Hong Duy
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