Ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane stands out as one of the toughest critics among ex-player pundits but has produced a U-turn on one player.
Roy Keane’s repeated attacks at Bruno Fernandes often confuse fans, especially when considering Fernandes’ pivotal role at Manchester United since his 2020 arrival.
Keane, however, clarifies that his criticism centre more around Fernandes’ ability to lead as captain than on his impact during matches.
In a rare moment of praise, the Irishman singled out one Red – though, notably, he’s no longer playing for Manchester United – Marcus Rashford.
On Tuesday night, the on-loan Carrington graduate featured from the start for Aston Villa, marking his 17th appearance for the club. He had a productive showing at the Etihad, particularly after scoring his fourth goal for Villa from a controversial penalty awarded just 20 minutes into the match.
Keane gives credit to Rashford’s Etihad display
After Bernardo Silva’s goal in the seventh minute, Rashford’s converted penalty brought the game back to level terms, sparking a change in the flow of the match following City’s early control
Rashford had 20 touches, two shots on target, and hit the woodwork once during his 76-minute performance. He also maintained an 86% passing accuracy, made a key pass, and delivered an accurate cross.
Despite his efforts, the game ended in defeat for his side. In the fourth minute of injury time, City found their winner with a low-driven cross from Jeremy Doku, which Matheus Nunes finished past Emiliano Martinez at the back post.
After the match, Keane took to Sky Sports to commend Rashford for his performance: “He was a threat tonight.
“He had a really big chance in the second half, but when there is grass in front of him he is as good as any player.”
“Ask the defenders; he is a nightmare. It is almost impossible to stop.”
Keane produces Rashford U-turn
Keane’s criticism of United players is never subtle and he had a lot to say about Rashford earlier in the season. He said the player should have been “ashamed” of his Old Trafford exit.
However, the Englishman has changed a lot of people’s opinions on him over the last few months, and going by Keane’s comments, the same has happened with him.
Some United fans would argue that the 27-year-old’s performance levels haven’t actually changed that much since his January loan move.
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Instead, they believe that there is simply less of a negative viewpoint on him. At United, every wrong touch is scrutinised.
No matter your personal viewpoint, Rashford playing well at Villa is good for United ahead of the summer window, where he will likely leave the club permanently.
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