In the 75th minute of the Premier League bout between Manchester United and Liverpool, a sublime pass from Marcus Rashford inside the box found Luke Shaw who sent a cross towards the center, with three Manchester United bodies charging in. Bruno Fernandes was the one to get on to the ball, but his weak shot from close distance was saved by Alisson’s left boot.
Not even 10 minutes later, Paul Pogba struck a powerful half-volley towards the goal, but he struck it straight to Alisson who came big and strong on the ball to push it down.
These were the two best chances of the match, and both of them came for United’s two in-form midfielders. But, alas, they both missed it.
Manchester United great Roy Keane believes that Fernandes would be disappointed that he missed but credited Alisson for making the crucial save. On the other hand, the former United midfielder added that Pogba should have scored from that position.
“I think they will be disappointed, they had the two best chances all game,” Keane told Sky Sports. “I know Liverpool had a lot of possession, they started well, but the two big chances United had in the second half.
“Particularly, the more you watch it, Pogba, they’re saying it’s a great save but he has to score. What a boost that would’ve been for United, spoiling their home record with another three points.
“Fernandes, he couldn’t do much more, he just wanted to get it on target. We knew they were going to create these moments, it’s just about taking these chances because you know you’re only going to get one or two.
“Again, he’s hit the target, you can’t be too critical and it’s a very, very good save “You can tell by his reaction, his first touch is excellent – oh my goodness, he has to score. Go across the goalkeeper, anywhere but straight at him,” Keane added.
“It’s easy when you’re watching, but because his first touch was so good, he’s given himself the opportunity to go across the ‘keeper. Huge moment in the season for United, but credit to the goalkeeper, he stood up and reacted well. That was the chance they were praying for before the game,” he further added.
“It’s easier said than done, we knew Liverpool would be quick out of the blocks. As the game went on, the game became stretched and United made one or two substitutions. You knew they’d get those opportunities, it’s just whether they could take it.
“When you get the chances Pogba had, so disappointing. We’ve given Pogba a big build-up, that was a moment there. If he wants to be the main man, he has to take that chance,” Keane explained.
Speaking on United’s overall performance, the 49-year-old praised United’s defence line but said Fernandes and Marcus Rashford had off days.
“I thought the back four were brilliant. Shaw was brilliant defensively and going forward. Rashford, for me, never turned up, Fernandes didn’t play that well either but they still created the best two chances in the game,” Keane said.
Despite the goalless draw, United retain their spot on top of the Premier League table. The Red Devils will meet Fulham on Wednesday.
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