BBC pundit stunned by ‘blatant’ Junior Firpo incident in Leeds United draw v Manchester United
Leon Osman was left stunned by Junior Firpo’s yellow card for Leeds United in the second half of the Whites’ 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
A Raphael Varane own goal and Willy Gnonto strike had given Michael Skubala’s side a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford. However, second-half goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho meant the points were shared.
Firpo was involved in a second-half incident with Rashford as the Spaniard clearly prevented the England international from breaking clear of Leeds’ backline.
Osman felt the 26-year-old couldn’t have been more “blatant” in his attempt to stop the United forward.
“Couldn’t have been more blatant for the foul he’s just given away. It was only ever going to be a yellow card in this situation,” said the BBC Sport pundit (BeIN Sports 21:41, 8 February).
“He couldn’t let Rashford get away and bare down on goal and he made the decision early and made the right ball. As a defender, you’ve got to make fouls like that.”
Brilliant foul
The decision from Firpo was an excellent one. Rashford was only heading in one direction after skipping past the defender and the decision to take the yellow card potentially prevented a goal from being scored. Firpo has received plenty of criticism since his arrival, but his performances haven’t been too bad of late.
Skubala will be delighted with a point, but potentially disappointed his side didn’t leave with all three considering they were two goals to the good. The first-half performance demonstrated that this side are more than capable of competing in the Premier League and should be able to pull themselves out of trouble with the right man in charge.
This squad has bundles of talent within its ranks and that was clearly displayed at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Willy Gnonto was once again outstanding and the young Italian is proving to be one of the finds of the season. If he continues this level of performance, the Yorkshire side will have to fend off interest in the summer.
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