Home Sports Was Marcus Rashford to blame for Phil Foden’s equaliser? Michael Owen suggests the Man United star was out of position after ‘lying on the floor for a minute’ after Kyle Walker’s challenge

Was Marcus Rashford to blame for Phil Foden’s equaliser? Michael Owen suggests the Man United star was out of position after ‘lying on the floor for a minute’ after Kyle Walker’s challenge

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Michael Owen (pictured) believes Marcus Rashford is to blame for Manchester City's draw

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Michael Owen believes Marcus Rashford is to blame for Phil Foden’s equalizer during Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Having opened the scoring with a thunderous effort from 30 yards, Rashford was then at the center of City’s equalizer after becoming angry at being fouled by Kyle Walker moments before Foden saved a goal for the hosts.

City made the most of that momentum, with Foden scoring again before Erling Haaland secured the points with a third goal for Pep Guardiola’s side that left them just one point behind league leaders Liverpool.

However, the controversial moment before City’s equalizer has divided opinion, with Erik ten Hag furious that the challenge on Rashford was not considered a foul, while Gary Neville believed it was right to continue playing.

Former United striker Owen has sided with the argument that there was no foul on Rashford, and the striker’s lack of urgency to get back into position has cost his team dearly.

Michael Owen (pictured) believes Marcus Rashford is to blame for Manchester City's draw

United were furious that Rashford (pictured) had been fouled before Foden's goal.

United were furious that Rashford (pictured) had been fouled before Foden's goal.

Michael Owen (left) believes Marcus Rashford (right) is to blame for Manchester City’s draw

Phil Foden scored an extraordinary goal to draw level with Manchester City in Sunday’s derby.

Rashford falls to the ground as Kyle Walker tries to regain possession for City

Rashford falls to the ground as Kyle Walker tries to regain possession for City

Rashford falls to the ground as Kyle Walker tries to regain possession for City

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“I thought it was true that nothing had been given,” Owen said on Optus Sport. “I don’t know why Marcus Rashford was trying to cross his man to begin with, he didn’t even have control of the ball. Surely you have to control the ball first and get past your man.

‘I felt it was right. And in fact, he would have returned to this position (defending Foden’s goal) to potentially cut that ball out.

‘He’s been lying on the ground for about a minute. If he was back inside, his position should be there, if he was not lying on the ground before that. So he could have prevented that goal.”

United manager Ten Hag was particularly upset that his star striker had not been penalized for the foul and was subsequently shown a yellow card for his outburst on the bench.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s very debatable, I think there was contact and it’s a decisive moment in the game.” Also at 2-1 there is a reckless action by the City goalkeeper.

Rashford protests for a free kick before Foden scores his first goal, but Owen claims the Man United striker took too long to return to his position.

Rashford protests for a free kick before Foden scores his first goal, but Owen claims the Man United striker took too long to return to his position.

Rashford protests for a free kick before Foden scores his first goal, but Owen claims the Man United striker took too long to return to his position.

“It was smooth, but when you’re in the middle of a sprint and you get a little touch you lose your rhythm and that’s why he fell.”

Walker was also asked for his opinion on the matter but unsurprisingly downplayed the incident.

He said: “To be completely honest, I haven’t remembered.” I didn’t feel like there was much to it. I feel like I did what I normally do and crossed my arm, but the referee saw it and reviewed it on the VAR and they have to take it that way and we’ve gone to the other end, it’s the law. Do not do it.’



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