Man Utd teen Will Fish, 19, SENT OFF for last-man ‘rugby challenge’ in pre-season friendly over Crystal Palace

MANCHESTER UNITED youngster Will Fish was sent off after “rugby tackling” Crystal Palace star Victor Akinwale in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly.

The defender, 19, was a last-minute call-up to Erik ten Hag’s squad for their trip to Australia, replacing Axel Tuanzebe.

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Will Fish was sent off just 19 minutes after coming off the bench for a ‘rugby tackle’ on Victor Akinwale when the Crystal Palace man was clean through on goalCredit: Getty

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Will Fish looked heartbroken as he trudged off the pitch following his straight redCredit: AP

But he lasted just 19 minutes of Tuesday’s match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after getting himself in a tangle.

Fish came off the bench after 65 minutes to replace captain Harry Maguire, with United well in control at 3-0 up.

But within 20 minutes – and after Palace pulled one back – Fish was shown a straight red.

The youngster desperately attempted a swipe at the ball to clear it as it rolled towards Akinwale.

But Fish lost his balance after connecting with nothing but thin air.

As he fell to the ground, the 19-year-old grabbed Akinwale and hauled him to the floor.

The Eagles forward was clean-through on goal, with the referee having no option but to send Fish for an early bath.

Ten Hag gave Fish a consoling pat on the head as he trudged off the pitch.

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But fans couldn’t believe what they’d seen: a rugby tackle during a football match at a cricket stadium.

One tweeted: “Will Fish playing rugby out there.”

Another wrote: “Will Fish be good at Rugby?”

Others felt bad for the youngster after his trip Down Under turned into something of a nightmare.

One shared: “Imagine having to take a 22 hour flight from UK to Melbourne last minute and was sent off just 20mins into his game.”

A second tweeted: “Only concern today is Will Fish. In 20 min he came on we conceded + he got sent off.

“Really hope that doesn’t damage his confidence. Must play vs Villa so he can get back on the right track.”

A third added: “Shame for Will Fish’s red card cause he’s a young player I like and think will play for us for a long time.”

United were always well in control of the game as goals from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho put them 3-0 up before Joel Ward pulled one back for Palace with 15 minutes to play.

The game ultimately finished 3-1 to United as their strong pre-season campaign continued – with fans drooling after Rashford polished off a sublime team move.

Ten Hag and Co next face Aston Villa at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday.