Marcus Rashford antics saw him "rewarded for cheating" blasts Richard Keys

13 February 2024 , 07:22

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Marcus Rashford antics saw him "rewarded for cheating" blasts Richard Keys

Marcus Rashford has been accused of diving in the lead up to Manchester United 's opening goal against Aston Villa at the weekend.

The Red Devils secured the three points late on at Villa Park to record another win and further their unlikely push for a top four spot. Rasmus Hojlund converted their opener from close range after he latched onto a second ball from a corner.

Keys though has pointed out the catalogue of events that led to United being fortunate in scoring the game's first goal. Firstly he highlighted that Casemiro was offside from the free-kick before the corner, but also called out Rashford for diving to earn himself a foul.

He wrote in his blog : "Of course Casemiro was off-side from the free-kick that led to the corner - that led to the goal! BeinSPORTS viewers knew that on Sunday when Andy and I pointed it out. The assistant should’ve seen it. Casemiro made himself active when he challenged for the ball.

"There was no way VAR could get involved though because the incident didn’t lead immediately to the goal. It was never a free-kick mind you. Having worked Fernandes out referees have got to be as strong with Rashford now. He should’ve been booked for diving, not rewarded for his cheating."

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Rashford continues to be a regular despite an underwhelming season thus far. One man who's had quite the opposite fortunes is Scott McTominay, who continues to come up with big moments to secure much needed wins for United, as he did at Aston Villa.

The midfielder's late header was another example of McTominay producing when it matter despite it looking as if he was surplus to requirements in the summer. The Scot was firmly on West Ham United's radar but they turned down a move with the Red Devils prospering as a result.

Marcus Rashford was accused of diving at Villa Park

Keys added: "Isn’t it funny how life can work out? I’ll tell you this for a fact - if David Moyes had said ‘yes’ - McTominay would be at West Ham now.

"Moyes chased him all last summer, but couldn’t agree a fee with United. They wanted £40m for McTominay - Moyes offered £30m. Because he got frustrated, Moyes went shopping elsewhere - only for United to offer the player for £30m on deadline day. By then it was too late. Ten Hag must be a very happy man that once again fate has served him well."

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Samuel Meade