Pundit Richard Keys has offered a scathing critique of the recent Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United, describing it as the worst he has watched in the Premier League era. This dull, goalless draw took place at Villa Park, just days after Villa’s triumph over Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Manchester United’s 3-3 draw with Porto in Portugal. Throughout the afternoon, both teams failed to inspire their supporters, as they played their final match before the international break. Notable moments included Bruno Fernandes striking the bar with a free kick and Jaden Philogene’s late effort being denied for Villa.
Richard Keys, who has previously worked with Sky Sports and talkSPORT, expressed his disdain for the match through his blog. He was particularly critical of both teams’ performances, likening the match to “walking football” and dismissing the notion that Villa’s previous high-energy game against Bayern was a valid excuse.
Richard Keys said, “I can’t recall watching a worse PL game than Villa v United. It was awful. Coaches are going to have the game done away with if they keep serving up rubbish like we saw at Villa Park. Newcastle/City was bad enough for 45 minutes the week before, but the pain went on from start to finish at Villa. At one point I thought I was watching walking football. Dreary doesn’t cover it. How many times did Martinez and Onana stand outside their box with a foot on the ball? I know the idea is to invite the press and then work the ball out – but no-one ever pressed. Clearly Villa were feeling the effects of their big night against Bayern, but that’s not really an excuse.”
