FIFA rules out sanctions against Brazil
‘FUMING’ Roy Keane blasted the Manchester United strike force and told misfiring Rasmus Hojlund to “stop messing around”.
And Ian Wright piled in as he labelled Marcus Rashford “a shadow” for his anonymous performance in the 2-0 win over Wigan in the FA Cup third round on Monday night.
Fiery former Manchester United captain Keane and Wright were in the ITV studio with Roberto Martinez at the DW Stadium.
But by the half-time analysis, Keane had run out of patience with the Danish striker who missed a series of good chances in the first half against the League One opponents.
And it was a reactionary rebound shot from point-blank range after a Sam Tickle save that bundled wide and prompted the wrath of the Irishman.
Fellow pundits Wright and Martinez had sympathy for the 20-year-old forward on that occasion.
But Keane (52) moaned: “You’re too kind. I would be fuming with him.
“We wanted United to show a part of their game tonight and they have in terms of missing chances and not being clinical - I want to see that side of United tonight.
“When your striker is missing chances, we can say unlucky all day, they are great opportunities.
“Put the ball in the back of the net and stop messing around!”
Hojlund also saw a low, angled shot saved by Tickle’s foot in the first half.
Then he squandered another glorious opportunity with a header off the top of the bar when he should have hit the target.
And it was that blunder from six yards out that drew criticism from co-commentator Ally McCoist and Wright, who admitted missing it would have given him nightmares.
McCoist said immediately: “This might be harsh but he’s got to score.
“The ball is superb, his run is superb, does he just take his eye off it a little bit? Does he take a little look at Liam Morrison?
“But I’m sorry, he’s got to be scoring that. For someone who needs goals, you’ve just got to get that down.”
Wright added at the break: “There’s some chances we’ve seen in this game you have to take them.
“This one is the one I would be losing sleep over because you could see it all the way over on your head.
“He’s got a good position but he puts his head down it’s come off the top of his head. It’s got to come off his forehead.
“This is the time he’s in at the moment, you have to be taking those chances.”
And Rashford (26) also got a ticking off from the studio pundits, with Wright adding that
WORLD soccer’s governing body has ruled out sanctions against Brazil following the return of the country’s FA (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was removed by a court in Rio last month, FIFA’s director of legal affairs Emilio Garcia said on Monday.
The Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice removed Ednaldo from his post on December 7 and appointed an interim president to organise new elections after a dispute over the CBF’s electoral process. But Federal Supreme Court minister Gilmar Mendes last week ordered Rodrigues’ return to office claiming that his dismissal by the courts could cause Brazil’s suspension from international soccer competitions by FIFA and damage Brazilian football.
“We are relieved by the Supreme Court’s decision, which restores the presidency of Ednaldo on the basis of a free and democratic decision by Brazilian football,” said Garcia.
“We’re happy that we’re back to the original situation in which Brazilian football elected its president. Brazilian football was at very high risk of being expelled from international competitions. “something needs to happen for him” if he is going to step up to the next level in his career.
Martinez reckons Rashford was being “too safe” and not taking enough risks, especially against the lower-league defenders. “That was ruled out for the moment after the Supreme Court decision and is no longer on the table,” he added. CBF president Rodrigues thanked FIFA and South American soccer’s governing body CONMEBOL for their support.
“This is the moment that restores normality to Brazilian football and we have many commitments for our calendar. From now on we want to concentrate on the development of Brazilian football,” he said.
“I was elected in a clear and transparent way. Brazilian football wins when its autonomy is restored. We can now be sure that Brazil’s clubs and national teams will take part in international competitions.” Brazil are sixth in the South American qualifying standings for the 2026 World Cup, after suffering three straight defeats to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina.
Rodrigues announced the resignation of Fernando Diniz as Brazil’s manager on Friday, the day after resuming his post. Former Sao Paolo coach Dorival Junior is expected to be presented as Brazil’s new manager by today. — Reuters.
The England international managed two dribbles, eight shots, no accurate crosses and lost eight out of ten duels - although he did assist the opening goal.
And Keane added: “I’m wanting a bit more. “He’s got one or two bad habits, stopping the ball at the wrong time, not running in behind enough. “He’s got in the habit of stopping the ball dead which makes him easier to defend.”
“He should be more explosive.”
Hojlund - who was subbed off for Hannibal Mejbri in the 92nd minute - was bailed out by his team-mates as he remains on six goals for the season.
Teed up by Rashford, Diogo Dalot curled a sweet effort into the bottom corner on 22 minutes then Bruno Fernandes won and converted a penalty with a quarter of an hour to go.
But Manchester United fans weren’t universally happy as some slammed a bizarre tactic that saw Rashford stand in an unorthodox position OFF the pitch at corners.
The Red Devils will travel to either Notts County or non-league Eastleigh in round four. — The Sun.