Gary Neville disagrees as Graeme Souness fumes over contentious Man Utd decision

19 February 2023 , 17:08

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Gary Neville disagrees as Graeme Souness fumes over contentious Man Utd decision

Gary Neville went against Graeme Souness by insisting Marcel Sabitzer did not deserve to be sent off for his studs-up challenge in Manchester United's victory over Leicester City.

Marcus Rashford continued his purple patch with two goals and Jadon Sancho came off the bench to add a third as the Red Devils won 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. The scoreline would imply it was a routine win for the hosts, but there was controversy at the end of the first half when Sabitzer lunged in on Foxes defender Wout Faes.

The Austrian midfielder, who joined United on loan from Bayern Munich in January, made contact with the inside of Faes' leg with his studs. Sabitzer escaped without a booking and VAR officials deemed his challenge was not made with enough force to warrant a red card.

Red Devils legend Neville agreed with this decision and explained why while on duty as Sky Sports' co-commentator for the fixture. He said of Sabitzer's challenge: "I don't think it was a red. He withdrew very quickly on it and didn't follow through with the force that would be required."

In contrast, Liverpool icon Souness viewed the tackle as Sabitzer attempting to leave one in on Faes and declared a red card should have been shown. "100 per cent, I think this is a red card for several reasons," Souness said in the Sky Sports studio.

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"Sabitzer has turned side on to him, which is a classic case of if you're going to go and do someone, that's how you're going to go and do it. If he makes contact with the ball, what's he going to do with the ball? He's looking for the player.

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Marcel Sabitzer escaped without a booking for his tackle on Wout Faes (Sky Sports)

"I don't care what some referee who's never played the game wants to say on that. That's a sending-off, that's dangerous play. If that's not dangerous play, what is? He's turned side on; ask any professional footballer, it's a classic case of setting yourself up to do someone."

Having avoided a red card for his studs-up tackle, Sabitzer helped United build their lead in the second half before he was taken off in the 80th minute. Given Casemiro's suspension and Christian Eriksen's injury, the on-loan Bayern star has been a useful midseason addition to Erik ten Hag's squad.

However, it was Rashford who stole the headlines at Old Trafford yet again as he took his tally for the season to 24 goals in all competitions. Ten Hag will hope the Englishman can continue his brilliant form as Barcelona come calling on Thursday for the second leg of the Europa League play-off, with the aggregate score finely poised at 2-2.

Freddie Keighley