Roy Keane has dismissed suggestions that Manchester United fouled Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki before scoring a late equaliser, insisting that football is a contact sport.
Suzuki failed to deal with a Bruno Fernandes corner that Patrick Dorgu headed home in the sixth minute of second-half added time at Old Trafford, earning United a point before the November international break. Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens both appeared to make contact with the Japan international, potentially impeding him as he came for the ball.
Keane's Verdict on the Contact
Speaking on Super Sunday, the Sky Sports pundit said of the potential fouls on Villa's goalkeeper: "I don't think Suzuki gives himself the best chance of getting it. He's underneath it; he should take a step back and attack it."
Keane added: "And there are bodies in the way. Yeah, I suppose [Lammens turns his back], but lots is going on, and football is a contact sport. I have no problem."
Criticism of Suzuki's Approach
Keane argued that Suzuki should have been more assertive in the situation, saying: "I've said it before: a goalkeeper in this situation should take command of it. If he's talking about being blocked and pushed, why doesn't he do that to the opposition players?"
He continued: "He's got to be aggressive and take command of it, and when the ball comes in, he's on his heels; he is on his heels. He's got to be more aggressive and take command of that six-yard box. Be physical with the players around him."
Keane on Carrick's Post-Match Remarks
Keane was also unimpressed with Michael Carrick's tetchy post-match remarks. United's head coach had a back-and-forth with Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison during his post-match press conference, almost asking as many questions as he answered.
After watching the tense exchange, Keane said: "It's obviously difficult for the manager; he's under pressure, no doubt. He talks a lot but doesn't say much; I don't know if that's a tactic; he's like a politician. He's clearly under pressure and keeps saying, 'We need to tighten up, and there are things we need to work on.' They'd better get moving on that."
Keane added: "This is the worst start in how many years. These stats aren't very good. And they keep giving up goals and chances. The goals they're giving up- what are we expecting to change over the next few weeks and months? What are they working on? They need to do a lot better than that."
