“You can’t just let him walk through the middle.”
Roy Keane was critical of John Egan’s role in Manchester City’s comfortable victory over Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Egan started for the Blades in the 3-0 defeat at Wembley Stadium. The Republic of Ireland defender played his part in preventing goal machine Erling Haaland from finding the net.
Riyad Mahrez, however, netted a hat-trick to secure City’s place in the FA Cup final, where they will face Manchester United.
Keane criticises Egan after FA Cup semi-final.
Keane was critical of Egan’s role in Mahrez’s second goal. The Man City winger produced a wonderful solo run and finish, displaying the gulf in quality between the two teams.
Keane, however, questioned Egan’s attempt to stop the run.
“I would be really disappointed with (Jack) Robinson and Egan here,” the former Man United captain said on ITV.
“Yeah, there are runners, (but), if he plays them in and they score, then no problem. You can’t just let him walk through the middle.
“Egan’s took a gamble. You’ve got to protect the middle of the goals and make a tackle here. You’re hoping you’ll get away with it.
What a run 😳@Mahrez22 with an incredible solo goal!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/u4jIRAlGYc
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 22, 2023
“Obviously, they’re top-class players and they punish you, but Robinson and Egan will be disappointed,” Keane continued.
“You can’t have players running straight at you. You have to protect the goal.
“You can’t just let him run that distance and put it in the back of your net.”
Man City remain on course to win the Treble after the victory.
Keane’s Man United remain the only English team to achieve the feat – winning the league title, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season.
The Irishman was asked if he would be ‘annoyed’ if City won the Treble this season. You can watch the video below.
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