12 February 2024 , 07:54
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Roy Keane has questioned Gary Neville 's decision to name Harry Maguire as his Player of the Match in Manchester United's crucial 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Maguire started alongside Raphael Varane in central defence at Villa Park and the England international impressed as United boosted their chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Scott McTominay struck an 86th-minute winner for the Red Devils after Douglas Luiz cancelled out Rasmus Hojlund's opener.
The result moves United to within six points of fourth-placed Tottenham and five behind Villa in fifth as the race for the Champions League intensifies. Erik ten Hag's side have also won their last three Premier League matches and are in a strong position to push for a place in Europe's elite club competition.
As the game was petering towards the full-time whistle, Neville picked Maguire as his Player of the Match - but it's safe to say Keane didn't agree with that decision. "I thought he did alright today, obviously some lads give defenders Man of the Match because they've been defenders themselves - that type of scenario. It was definitely going to be a defender," Keane said on Sky Sports.
When quizzed on who he would have picked instead of Maguire, Keane continued: "No big deal about that but we've praised the defenders considered the amount of chances Villa had.
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"Winning Man of the Match the bottom line is it's no big deal, what's important for Maguire is he's getting games under his belt and he's getting back up to speed. He's a good, solid, experienced defender. The problems are still there for Man United, they got away with it today because the attacking players are scoring goals."
(PA)The win could be significant in United's season and Ten Hag was delighted to get the three points over the line. The Dutchman said in his post-match press conference: "It was massive. It's a massive win for us. So, we get closer. And that was the aim for today and was absolutely our target. And we did it.
"I think also the way we did it, I think I liked it, and of course, I liked especially the first 20 minutes. And when we are dictating the game, after I think we are dropping a little bit too much. We had our moments in the counter attacks, but yeah, I think then at 1-1, to fight back, we are really happy for today."
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