Man United Legend Names 2 Red Devils Stars to Blame for Aston Villa Draw

Man United Legend Names 2 Red Devils Stars to Blame for Aston Villa Draw

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:54 PM
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  • Roy Keane has singled out Fred and Nemanja Matic for blame following Man United's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa
  • United surrendered a two-goal advantage to settle for a point with Villa after Philippe Coutinho struck late after he came on as a sub
  • Keane believes Fred and Matic let down Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park after the duo's disappointing display

Man United icon Roy Keane has criticised Fred and Nemanja Matic for their poor display against Aston Villa on Saturday, January 15.

Man United players vs Aston Villa. Photo: Getty Images.
Keane believes Fred and Matic let down Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park after the duo's disappointing display. Photo: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

United looked set to bag the three points at Villa Park during the encounter after they took a comfortable lead, only for Villa to stage a comeback to ensure the tie ends in a 2-2 draw.

Bruno Fernandes gave the Red Devils the advantage after scoring once on either half, but two late efforts from Jacob Ramsey and debutant Philippe Coutinho saw both teams share the spoils.

Keane now believes Fred and Matic were responsible for United surrendering the two-goal advantage, criticising the midfield duo for failing to help Fernandes defensively.

"His two goals, I thought his composure, his decision making, I liked a lot about his game," Keane told Sky Sports when asked what he liked about Fernandes’ display against Villa.
"But there is other lads in the team, Fred and Matic, to do that [defensive] side of the game but they didn’t do it well enough," he added.

United's draw against Villa dented their top-four hopes as it leaves them sitting seventh on the standings with 32 points.

They sit three points off a top-four place, with West Ham, Arsenal, and Tottenham all ahead of them.

Martial refuses to play for Man United

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed Anthony Martial did not want to play against Aston Villa on Saturday, January 15.

Martial was expected to be named in the matchday squad following injuries for Rashford and Ronaldo.

However, it has emerged the Frenchman declined to be named in the travelling team as he eyes an Old Trafford exit.

The forward is keen on more regular football elsewhere after falling down the pecking order at United.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.