Raphael Varane: Pundit issues ‘worrying’ Man United claim after controversial footage analysed
Man United “were very lucky” to be awarded a free-kick in the build up to James Maddison’s disallowed goal on Saturday, according to Kevin Phillips.
The ex-Sunderland and England striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Red Devils’ defending is “worrying” and “needs to be addressed” by their next permanent manager.
Man United shared a 1-1 draw with Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
As shown on Sky Sports (2 April), the visitors thought they had taken the lead with 10 minutes to go when Maddison smashed in at the near post.
However, a VAR review found Raphael Varane was fouled by Kelechi Iheanacho moments before.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if VAR saved Ralf Rangnick’s side on Saturday, Phillips said: “The were very lucky.
“Leicester were much better than them on the day. United couldn’t handle them. They shifted them around really well.
“It could have been a different story. Look, it was a foul on Varane. He had his leg pulled away but it was concerning nonetheless.
“United are not in a good place right now. There is going to be a new manager in place next year and whoever comes in needs to address that defence pretty quickly. The defending needs to be better. It is worrying when Leicester are pulling you apart like that, as good a side as they are.”
In other news, Man United captain Harry Maguire has been defended by a pundit after a development ‘you do not like to see’.