Graeme Souness attacks ref that ‘never played the game’ after ignoring Man Utd red card

Graeme Souness believes Marcel Sabitzer was fortunate to escape a red card during Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Leicester at Old Trafford following a high challenge on Wout Faes. The Austrian January arrival certainly left his studs on the top of the Belgian defender’s leg, sparking huge appeals from the Foxes as they believed the incident should have seen Sabitzer dismissed.

Nonetheless, referee Paul Tierney and the VAR officials were happy to let the challenge slide much to the surprise of Souness.

The former Liverpool captain was incensed with the incident at half-time as he hit out at the referee, who has “never played the game.”

When asked by David Jones whether Sabitzer should have been shown a red card, Souness replied: “100 per cent, I think this is a red card for several reasons.

“Faes is partially to blame because he’s on his heels when the ball breaks.

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But that only triggered Souness even more, as he added: “I don’t care what some referee who has never played the game has to say on that. That is a red card.

“It’s dangerous play, if that’s not dangerous play, what is?”

Leicester, who have been much improved following the January arrivals of Tete, Harry Souttar and Victor Kristiansen, could have been ahead in the early stages of the game had it not been for David de Gea’s heroics.

But United’s attacking threat eventually saw them make the breakthrough when Marcus Rashford continued his purple patch with a ruthless low finish in the first half.

The England international would help himself to a second after the interval when he burst through on goal and once again found the finish.

Initially, Rashford was flagged offside but a VAR check saw him rewarded with the goal as he was in line with Leicester defender Faes.

It was then 3-0 when Jadon Sancho got in on the act to continue his eye-catching return to action following an extensive lay-off.

Erik ten Hag also rewarded 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo with his first Premier League appearance as he entered the fray from the bench.