Roy Keane admits Harry Maguire was ‘Lucky’ to escape giving away a first-half penalty for handball against Nottingham Forest – but insists he wasn’t helped by Man United teammate David de Gea
- Roy Keane believes Harry Maguire was ‘lucky’ not to give away a penalty
- The ball hit the Manchester United captain’s hand as he lunged for a header
- After checking by the VAR it turned out that Maguire would not be punished for his action
Roy Keane feels Nottingham Forest’s handball clamor against Harry Maguire could have gone either way in Sunday’s showdown at the City Ground.
The Manchester United captain was involved in an incident in the 20th minute when a corner in the penalty area threatened to put pressure on the visitors early on.
A VAR check for a penalty followed, but Maguire escaped the penalty despite the ball hitting his hand, as he was ruled to have his arm in a natural position while attempting a header.
Roy Keane insisted the defender couldn’t ‘complain too much’ if a penalty had been awarded, but thinks Maguire deserves some ‘luck’ after scoring an own goal in Thursday’s Europa League against Sevilla.
“He probably deserves that happiness. You would sympathize with him,” Keane told Sky Sports.
Harry Maguire was involved in a penalty incident against Nottingham Forest on Sunday
Maguire (far right) hit the ball with his hand as he jumped on a header in the penalty area
“They are (United) all fighting, if he gives the penalty you wouldn’t complain too much.
‘He is lucky. The goalkeeper has to help him anyway,” he added.
Maguire was recalled to Erik ten Hag’s starting squad after injuries to regular centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane saw the United boss have little choice but to push the England international back into contention.
Maguire received a yellow card from Simon Hooper (black top) earlier in the game
Roy Keane believes Maguire was ‘lucky’ to escape without a handball
Had umpire Simon Hooper decided to point to the spot it would have ended a horrific start to proceedings for Maguire.
The 30-year-old was shown a yellow card in the 3rd minute after dragging Taiwo Awoniyi to the ground.
Maguire’s future at Old Trafford looks in doubt with many seeing the run-up to the end of the season as a crucial opportunity for him to salvage his career with the Premier League giants.
He is likely to start in both of United’s upcoming cup games, which start in Seville on Thursday, before facing Brighton in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.