Manchester United legend Roy Keane has heaped praise on club loanee Marcus Rashford for his outstanding performance despite Aston Villa’s defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday evening.
Villa’s hopes of finishing within the Champions League places suffered a significant setback as City beat them 2-1 at the Etihad.
The reigning Premier League champions took the lead just seven minutes in through Bernardo Silva but Rashford drew them level, converting from the penalty spot after Jacob Ramsey was illegally brought down inside the box by Ruben Dias.
However, with the last kick of the game, Matheus Nunes won the game for City and shattered the hearts of the Villa players and fans.
Rashford was Villa’s primary source of threat. He struck the post early on with a good effort after a fine bit of skill to take out Dias. The England international also had another big chance to put the visitors in the lead in the second half but he couldn’t hit the target.
Rashford was on the pitch for 76 minutes before he was taken off and replaced by Ollie Watkins.
Speaking on Sky Sports [as quoted by GOAL] after the final whistle, Keane was very complimentary of Rashford.
The legendary United captain remarked, “He was a threat tonight, he had a really big chance in the second half but when there is grass in front of him he is as good as any player.”
“Ask the defenders, he is a nightmare. It is almost impossible to stop.”
Keane added, “The problem for Villa is they are running out of games and the goal difference is a problem. They are well organised, but they give up late goals and that will be costly.”
“There will be one or two twists but where you are in a position to draw, don’t lose, keep the momentum and city near you.”
“You have seen the reaction of City, they know what a big moment it was last kick of the game.”
Rashford’s future remains uncertain as the transfer window nears. Earlier today on Wednesday, it was suggested that the 27-year-old has not entirely shut the door on lining up for United again.
Villa can make his signing permanent for £40m.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
