PIERS MORGAN slammed Kyle Walker for his “pathetic” dive in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Walker dropped to the ground holding his face after clashing with Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund late in the first half.
The two went head-to-head before the Manchester City full-back dramatically fell down despite minimal contact or force.
They were both shown a yellow card as a result.
Fans and pundits slammed Walker for his theatrics at half-time.
United legend Roy Keane even admitted he was “embarrassed” for the England star.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex-midfielder said: “You don’t mind a bit of this, this is going to happen in the game. A bit of argy-bargy, of course.
“But I look at it, he’s obviously been blocked but Walker, of course it’s a foul and a free-kick and Hojlund’s not happy, that’s fine.
“And he goes over, how can Walker… Walker must be embarrassed. He must be embarrassed to go down like that.
“An experienced player, listen there is no contact. Look at this, I don’t know the guy and I’m embarrassed for him. It’s embarrassing.”
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SunSport columnist Morgan echoed Keane‘s words on social media the following day.
He wrote: “Well said, Mr Keane. Absolutely pathetic from Walker.”
Man City went on to lose 2-1 to their local rivals – despite leading for the majority of the match.
With the hosts 1-0 up as late as the 87th minute courtesy of Josko Gvardiol‘s first-half strike, Matheus Nunes gave away a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Amad Diallo.
Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick to equalise, leaving Pep Guardiola furious.
And just two minutes later, Amad broke through again, this time poking the ball over Ederson before slotting it into the bottom-right corner.
Hojlund trolled Walker with a savage Instagram post after the match.
It read: “Manchester is red. Violets are blue. What a brilliant performance. But the Oscar goes to…”
AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…
Andre Onana – 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13′ – 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90′ – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6
Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78′ – 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78′ – 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6
No time to have any influence on the game.
