Andy Cole defends Man United ‘scapegoat’ after Manchester Derby criticism

Andy Cole has defended one Manchester United player after criticism over their performance against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

United were defeated 3-1 by their neighbours in the Manchester Derby. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring before Phil Foden and Erling Haaland made the difference for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Foden took the game by storm in the second half despite Erik ten Hag’s side putting in the correct effort.

Many blamed Victor Lindelöf in the game, with the defender playing out of position against the English winger at left-back.

However, United legend Andy Cole has defended the Swedish international and believes that many people just need to find someone to blame for the loss.

“In football, there’s always someone to blame,” responded Cole when asked by BetFred whether Lindelof can be blamed for his performance.

“His best position is centre-back, but he was asked to play at left-back against a very talented footballer in Phil Foden. Are you going to blame Victor Lindelöf for Foden putting one in the top bin on Sunday?

“We always try to find a scapegoat because if we don’t, then there’s nothing to write about, is there?”

The loss has made Champions League qualification difficult for Ten Hag, with the Old Trafford club now 11 points away from Aston Villa in fourth-place and six points away from Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game-in-hand, in fifth place.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already explained the importance of securing Champions League football for next season due to financial fair play reasons.