Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Manchester United got what they deserved from their 1-0 Manchester derby defeat to 10-man Manchester City, while taking aim at Bruno Fernandes for his role in Phil Foden’s sending-off.
The defeat leaves Manchester United 13th in the Premier League and already eight points behind the leaders. Agbonlahor argued that United’s problems went far beyond the controversial decisions that shaped the game.
“United lost the game because Fernandes didn’t turn up, [Matheus] Cunha didn’t turn up, [Bryan] Mbeumo didn’t turn up,” he said on talkSPORT.
He also criticised Diogo Dalot and questioned Patrick Dorgu‘s position.
Agbonlahor accuses United of failing to attack City
“You lost the game because when you went up a man, for 70 minutes, you decided to sit back. You decided not to go for it.”
“How can Manchester City be the better team with 10 men? You lost the game for different reasons.”
He also rejected the idea that the result was primarily down to Haaland’s controversial goal.
“You didn’t turn up; the occasion got to a lot of the players, not because of the goal that shouldn’t have been given.”
Agbonlahor then turned his attention directly to Bruno Fernandes, making a particularly strong accusation over the incident involving Foden.
“At the end of the day, Bruno Fernandes is a cheat,” he said. “He’s an outstanding player, but he’s a cheat.”
He claimed Bruno Fernandes kicked Phil Foden twice while he was on the ground before exaggerating the reaction to Foden’s response.
“That’s why you get your karma. Maybe the goal that should’ve been disallowed on Haaland is the karma you sometimes get in football for the red card to Phil Foden.”
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