Micah Richards fumes at the decision to give Manchester United the goal
Speaking on Match of the Day (h/t Manchester Evening News), former Manchester City defender Micah Richards was fuming and explained why the first Manchester United goal should not have stood in the derby.
City were leading the derby when Marcus Rashford was played through. The Englishman was offside, but he did not touch the ball despite being very close to it. Bruno Fernandes came from an onside position and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
That goal sparked a massive debate among football fans and pundits regarding the offside interference rule. It did look like Rashford’s movements restricted the defensive covering from the City players. Pep Guardiola explained the same thing in the post-match press conference.
Talking about that goal and why it should not have stood, here’s Richards (h/t Manchester Evening News):
“It’s a shocking decision, let’s be honest. Me, as a defender, if you’re playing up front and you run offside, I’m constantly adjusting my position towards where you’re going to be.
“So I’m not worried about anything behind me – I’m worried about you. If you’re offside, we’re not bothered. You’re trying to keep a high line, which is an art in defending, so now they’re stopping you from doing the defending.”
It is understandable where Richards is coming from. So close was Rashford to the ball that it almost felt like he was shielding it to allow Fernandes to come and hit it the first time.
But, that is gone now. United scored another goal a few minutes later to complete the comeback and the win. In the context of this season, it could be a massive three points for Erik ten Hag’s men.
As of now, we are only one point behind the defending champions and nine behind leaders Arsenal, who we play in the league at the Emirates Stadium next weekend.
More Manchester United News:
- Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is planning to raid former club Ajax Amsterdam
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to table a formal bid for Manchester United ownership
- Rio Ferdinand is full of praise for Manchester United talent Alejandro Garnacho
Between those games though, there is a potentially tough one coming up against Crystal Palace. If we are to stay at the higher echelons of the table, following a win over a big-six opponent with the same result against a mid-table side is important. That is how the consistency of winning is built.
