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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Fraser Watson

Roy Keane rages as Man Utd star reaches "height of stupidity" in FA Cup final defeat

Roy Keane was left raging at Manchester United star Fred, who he says hit "the height of stupidity" as the Red Devils fell short in the FA Cup final.

Pep Guardiola's Man City side were the resounding favourites ahead of the first ever final meeting between the two teams, and they reaffirmed that status after just 13 seconds when Ilkay Gundogan volleyed home. But to United's credit, they responded, albeit through a controversial penalty as Bruno Fernandes levelled matters.

But six minutes after the break City struck again with what proved to be the winner. And again, it was Gundogan who supplied the finish, meeting Kevin de Bruyne's free kick first time with an effort that found the bottom corner.

But whilst manager Erik ten Hag praised the fight of his United side afterwards, former captain Keane wasn't about to let the players get off scot free. And he cited the build-up to Gundogan's second strike, which came about after Fred fouled De Bruyne near the touchline.

"Fred had Kevin de Bruyne where he wants him," he told ITV Football. "De Bruyne has his back to goal and then Fred fouls him. It’s the height of stupidity. But we’ve seen that from him so many times over the years."

The Brazilian arrived at Old Trafford in 2018 from Shaktar Donetsk, for a fee of £52 million. However, he's failed to live up the billing at Old Trafford, and despite featuring regularly under Ten Hag this season is reportedly a candidate to leave this club this summer as the manager bids to overhaul his squad for the Champions League.

Will Fred be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer? Share your views in the comments below

(Dave Thompson/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Indeed, after the game the player himself seemed anything but convinced over his future, telling reporters: “I still don't know, I have to talk with my family. I still have one year left on my contract here. Now it's holiday time and a good opportunity to rest. I'll talk to my staff, to the club and see what everyone's decision is."

The midfielder wasn't the only star to face the wrath of Keane though. Keeper De Gea appeared slow to react as Gundogan's winner went past him, leaving the pundit in no doubt as to whatTen Hag should do next.

"He doesn't hit it that cleanly and it goes through bodies but United have to get a new keeper," Keane told ITV. "They need a world-class striker and a goalkeeper, and other players for strength in depth too. I am sick of saying it. A top goalkeeper saves that. They get you over the line in big games and that could have been the difference today. They need a world-class goalkeeper and he isn't."

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