‘Very lucky’… Pundits say 30-year-old Manchester United star was fortunate to avoid red card v Fulham

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Darren Bent and Karen Carney agree that Manchester United should have had a man sent off against Fulham.

Manchester United’s undefeated start to 2024 crashed to an end on Saturday as they suffered a deserved 10th loss of the season.

Fulham were by far the better team at Old Trafford and took a well-earned lead through Calvin Bassey.

However, United found a fortunate route back into the game when Harry Maguire turned in a spilled ball from Berd Leno to level things up in the 89th minute.

Erik ten Hag’s side actually looked more likely to go and get the win but then got done on the counter as Alex Iwobi grabbed a last-gasp winner.

The defeat leaves United eight points off the top four but things could have been even worse.

Maguire planted his studs on the ankle of Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic in the first half but escaped with only a booking.

Both Darren Bent and Karen Carney believe it should have been a red for the defender.

Harry Maguire got away with a red card against Fulham

Speaking on punditry duty for Optus Sport, Bent said: “Seeing it on the replay, probably a red.

“I think he’s so late and rash. You talk about endangering an opponent, if you look at his ankle there, Lukic, he’s fortunate he’s not got a nasty injury.

“For me, yeah, it’s a red. Looking at that last replay it’s a red.”

Carney echoed those thoughts by saying:  “Very lucky, we’ve seen players go for a lot less than that.

“It’s late, it’s over the top. The ankle damage, very lucky for that to only be a yellow card. For me, red.”

Things could have been even worse

It’s a pretty bleak set of affairs when the only bright spark of a dire game shouldn’t have even been on the pitch when it happened.

Maguire’s challenge wasn’t malicious but it was certainly dangerous and Brighton’s Billy Gilmour was dismissed for a similar one against Everton on the same day.

It’s lucky for United the 30-year-old wasn’t sent off given he created the goal by actually making something happen in the box.

Maguire dribbled in the area, delivered a cross to Bruno Fernandes and then remained on hand to turn in the rebound.

Also, with all the injuries at the back, a lengthy suspension is the last thing Ten Hag needs.