Was Marcus Rashford to blame for Phil Foden's equaliser? Michael Owen suggests the Man United star w

Michael Owen believes Marcus Rashford is to blame for Phil Foden’s equaliser during Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Having opened the scoring with a thunderous effort from 30 yards out, Rashford was then at the centre of City’s equaliser after being left incensed that he was fouled by Kyle Walker moments before Foden pulled a goal back for the hosts.

City went on to make the most of that momentum, with Foden netting again before Erling Haaland wrapped up the points with a third goal for Pep Guardiola’s side to leave them just one point adrift of league leaders Liverpool. 

The controversial moment before City’s equaliser has divided opinion, though, with Erik ten Hag fuming that the challenge on Rashford was not given as a foul while Gary Neville believed it was right to play on.

Former United striker Owen has sided with the argument that there was no foul on Rashford, and the fact that the striker was not urgent in getting back into position has cost his side dearly. 

Michael Owen (left) believes Marcus Rashford (right) is at fault for Man City’s equaliser 

Phil Foden scored an outstanding goal to equalise for Manchester City in Sunday’s derby

Rashford takes a tumble to the ground as Kyle Walker tries to win possession back for City

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‘I thought it was correct nothing was given,’ Owen said on Optus Sport. ‘I don’t know why Marcus Rashford was trying to run across his man to start with, he wasn’t even in control of the ball. Surely you’ve got to control the ball first and the cut across your man.

‘I felt it was called spot on. And, actually, he would have been back in this position (defending for the Foden goal) to potentially cut that ball out. 

‘He’s been lying on the ground for a minute or so. If he was back in, his position should be there, if he wasn’t lying on the floor prior to that. So he might have been able to prevent that goal.’

United boss Ten Hag was especially annoyed that his star forward hadn’t been given the foul and was subsequently shown a yellow card for his outburst in the dugout.

He told Sky Sports: ‘It is very debatable, I think there was contact and it is a defining moment of the game. Also at 2-1 there’s a reckless action from City’s goalkeeper. 

Rashford protests claiming for a free-kick prior to Foden scoring his first goal but Owen claims the Man United forward took too long in getting back into position

‘It was soft, but when you’re in a full sprint and you get a little touch you lose the rhythm and that’s why he went down.’

Walker was also asked for his opinion on the matter but, unsurprisingly, played down the incident. 

He said: ‘I haven’t looked back at it to be completely honest. I didn’t feel there was much in it. I feel like I did what I normally do and get my arm across, but the referee has seen it and checked it on the VAR and they just have to take it as that and we have gone up the other end, it’s sods law isn’t it.’ 

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