Richards disagrees with Ten Hag over incident that got Man Utd boss booked

03 March 2024 , 19:00

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Micah Richards insists Kyle Walker didn't commit a foul before Man City's equaliser (Image: Sky Sports)

Micah Richards was adamant Kyle Walker didn't foul Marcus Rashford before Manchester City's equaliser despite Erik ten Hag insisting there was contact and "it is very debatable".

The Manchester United forward raced clear in the second half with Walker chasing him down. The City defender put a slight arm across his rival, who tumbled to the ground demanding a foul, only to see his appeals waved away before Phil Foden scored seconds later.

It left Rashford fuming whilst Ten Hag was booked for his protests on the touchline. City went on to score two more to secure the three points and Richards insists there was no doubt the referee made the right call.

He said on Sky Sports: "No, it's not a foul and I think Roy will agree with me on that." Gary Neville meanwhile said on commentary: “There’s nothing in that. He’s got to stand up there Marcus Rashford and get the ball."

The United boss discussed the incident with his player and, whilst admitting it would've been a marginal call, did maintain there was contact. He told the BBC : "I looked back and asked Rashy if there was contact, maybe soft but there was contact."

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Ten Hag echoed that sentiment as he told Sky Sports : "It is very debatable, I think there was contact and it is a defining moment of the game. also at 2-1 there's a reckless action from City's goalkeeper. It was soft, but when you're in a full sprint and you get a little touch you lose the rhythm and that's why he went down."

United attempted to hold on to their early lead with their Dutch manager coming up with a compact system that did frustrate City in the first half. Ultimately though three second-half goals resigned the Red Devils to their 11th loss in the Premier League this term.

Kyle Walker and Marcus Rashford clashed before Man City's equaliser (Sky Sports)

The loss means Aston Villa in fourth are 11 points ahead of Ten Hag's outfit whilst Tottenham, who have a game in hand, are six points further ahead.

Ten Hag added on their situation: "This year on we are really progressing and you have to get some points back. Everyone can beat everyone and things can quickly turn around. Number five [fifth position in the league] can also be a position for Champions League so we have to fight for it!"

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Samuel Meade