Former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest midfielder Roy Keane has said that Harry Maguire was ‘lucky’ not to concede a penalty in the first half of Forest’s meeting with United.
The Reds host Erik ten Hag’s team at the City Ground looking to end a run of nine games without a win. That poor form has left Steve Cooper ’s side in the relegation zone on goal difference.
However, any points from the game against United will see them climb out of the bottom three. Ahead of the game, United were forced into two defensive changes with former Leicester City centre-back Harry Maguire coming into the XI with injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
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The England man was shown an early yellow card for a challenge, and was jeered by Forest fans throughout the first half. And Keane says that the centre-back was ‘lucky’ to get away with a handball in the box.
With the score locked at 0-0, the ball appeared to come off the defender's arm when he was challenging in the air. A VAR check concluded that a penalty shouldn’t be awarded after Forest calls were turned down by the officials.
Speaking at half-time on Sky Sports, Keane hinted that a penalty could have been given.
“Harry, do you know what? He probably deserves that little bit of luck,” he said. “You would feel for him.
“I know they’re all up there and battling, and if he does give the penalty he wouldn’t be complaining too much, so he’s lucky. The ‘keeper has to come and help him anyway."
Keane added while laughing: "He's lucky."
Forest will have to come from behind in the second half as United took the lead through Antony in the 32nd minute. The Brazilian was on hand to poke in the rebound after Keylor Navas saved from Anthony Martial.
Should Forest have been awarded a first half penalty? Tell us in the comments section
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