Roy Keane has risked upsetting a number of Manchester United supporters by jumping to the defence of PSV Eindhoven’s Hector Moreno, Mirror Sport reports.
The Mexican international’s strong challenge on Luke Shaw during the Champions League clash between the two sides on Tuesday night left the United left-back with a double leg fracture and is set to miss the majority of the season and possibly next summer’s European Championships.
Moreno’s tackle was widely criticised by Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal immediately following the clash at the Philips Stadion, while former Premier League referee Graham Poll insisted the defender, who went on to equalise for the defending Eredivisie champions a few moments later, should have been shown a red card.
However, Keane applauded the tackle and insisted there was no intention to hurt the young England international:
“I thought it was a brilliant challenge. I love the physical side of the game,” the Republic of Ireland national team coach said on ITV.
“You can always tell by the players’ reactions – they are the best judges as they are near the tackle. They didn’t think it was a bad challenge at the time.”
“When players are travelling at great speed then (injuries) are always going to happen. I am surprised there’s not more. It was an accident with his trailing foot,” Keane added.
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Shaw underwent surgery on Wednesday and will be hoping his side can take all three points against his former club Southampton in the Premier League meeting between the two clubs on Sunday afternoon.