Pundit lambasts ‘cheat’ Kevin de Bruyne amid new Man City controversy
Kevin de Bruyne shouldn’t have to “cheat” to win games for Man City.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the midfielder’s latest performance.
De Brunye, 31, was not awarded a penalty in the first half of his side’s 2-1 loss to Brighton on Saturday (12 October) despite strong appeals to the referee.
Replays showed minimal contact as the Belgium star went to ground inside the Brentford box.
Last week against Fulham (5 November) De Bruyne was also criticised for the manner in which he went down in the final moments despite VAR awarding City a penalty.
“You don’t like to see that and he doesn’t need to do it,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“He is a top, top-class player and I love watching him. You do get gutted when guys like that try and cheat and dive in the box.
“He doesn’t need to do it, he can stay on his feet. It was a really poor day for De Bruyne but luckily for him he can go to the World Cup and forget about it.
“But that’s two weeks in a arow where he has been accused of diving and that’s not a good look for anyone.
“The only thing that will happen is referees will cotton onto it, making it harder for City to win penalties.”
De Bruyne has registered 10 assists in 14 Premier League games so far this season.
He also has three goals in the competition.
In other news, Man City have been backed to win the race to sign Rafael Leao after a transfer update from Italy.