'Pure disrespect': Manager savaged for 'ridiculous' snub of 19yo
Everton boss Duncan Ferguson was called out for his treatment of 19-year-old Moise Kean after ruthlessly taking the substitute off the field just 19 minutes after entering the match.
Ferguson continued his unbeaten record since taking over as caretaker manager with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Victor Lindelof inadvertently put the visitors ahead in the first half with an own goal, before Mason Greenwood rescued a point for United with 13 minutes left on the clock.
But while the draw was encouraging for Everton off the back of last week's demolition of Chelsea, a curious decision from Ferguson sent plenty of tongues wagging.
Having sent Kean on for Bernard 70 minutes into the game, the interim boss withdrew the former Juventus youngster for Oumar Niasse just 19 minutes later.
The move was panned as many thought Ferguson had “embarrassed” the youngster.
Moise Keane leave Everton. That disrespect is ridiculous
— Plata O Plomo (@DejiCNO) December 15, 2019
Moise Kean has just been embarrassed infront of 75,000 people in the stadium and millions across the world. 19 year old kid. Why do that to him?
— Tom (@EFCTom_) December 15, 2019
This ain’t right. Moise Keane is a 19 year old and Ferguson has embarrassed him in front of the world. pic.twitter.com/TlGMuCzjGi
— - (@AnfieldRd96) December 15, 2019
Moise Keane did absolutely nothing wrong to be treated like that .. Pure disrespect .
— Joshua Windass (@WindassJnr) December 15, 2019
Kean has struggled to make an impression for the Toffees since moving, but Ferguson was at pains to explain that the switch was no reflection on the 19-year-old's performance.
"It was not because of his performance. I just needed to make a substitution to kill a bit of time," he told Sky Sports after the final whistle.
"I have a lot of strikers on the bench, it was nothing against him personally."
Everton may have missed out on the chance to make it two wins out of two against United, but Ferguson was nevertheless elated with what he saw at Old Trafford.
"I am delighted at the moment. We have got a point. Of course we were winning but I cannot complain," he added.
"They came on strong in the second half but I thought we looked good on the counter attack. The boys were absolutely amazing.
"We beat a top team in Chelsea and now we've come to Old Trafford and got a draw."
With Goal.com