Roy Keane has criticised Phil Foden for his reaction to a red card in Manchester City's 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The former United captain called the midfielder's decision to taunt home fans after the match 'daft'.
Keane made the comments on the Stick to Football podcast, dissecting the incident that saw Foden dismissed in the 23rd minute for a kick on Bruno Fernandes. Despite playing with ten men for most of the game, City secured the derby victory through a second-half Erling Haaland goal.
Keane's derby verdict
The pundit argued the red card itself was harsh, suggesting United captain Fernandes was the more aggressive party in the clash. "Can I make a point on Foden?" Keane said. He described the England international's subsequent gesture to United supporters as foolish.
"He's holding his fingers up showing 1-0 to the United fans," Keane observed. "You've just been sent off, what are you doing? Get on the bus."
Keane's frustration stemmed from a belief that Fernandes should have faced greater punishment for his initial tackle. He contended that the Portuguese midfielder's challenge was the violent act, leaving Foden to react. The defeat leaves Manchester United 13th in the Premier League table with four points from their opening four matches.
Context for a struggling side
The derby loss was part of a difficult recent run for Erik ten Hag's team, who have lost their last two league games. They followed the City defeat with a 3-2 home loss to Brighton, despite goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount. Bruno Fernandes, the player involved in the flashpoint with Foden, is the club's top scorer this season with three goals. The squad's injury list includes Amad Diallo, Carlos Baleba and Luke Shaw ahead of the next fixture.
United now turn their focus to a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham, who are 18th, this weekend.
The report in full is at Daily Mirror Football
