Man Utd women slammed for using 'unsporting' tactic that fans think should be banished from game

Fans were left stunned by the tactics employed during a Women’s Super League fixture on Sunday.

Man United Women and Leicester City Women went head-to-head at the King Power stadium, with the Red Devils coming away with a convincing 2-0 victory, leaving them fifth in the division.

But, despite some impressive play by the away side, it was an unusual tactic which they used during the fixture that caught the attention of people on social media.

In the 54^th minute of play, the visitors were preparing to take a free kick with the ball placed at an inviting location just outside the penalty area.

The actions that followed were certainly out of the ordinary as Elisabeth Terland and goal scorer Millie Turner stood in front of the Foxes’ goalie, Janina Leitzig, as they aimed to block her view of the soon-to-taken free kick.

The pair appeared to raise both their arms to stop the Leicester ‘keeper from getting a decent sighting of the action ahead of her.

After a few seconds, the referee approached the United players before the duo swiftly stopped the odd tactic and ran away from the goal to a more common position.

Following the match, United’s boss, Marc Skinner, discussed the incident.

“There’s a very tall goalkeeper, so you’ve got to try and stop their vision, it’s something our set piece coach dreamt up, and you’re allowed to do it,” he told talkSPORT [via Ian Stringer].

When asked if the actions were in the spirit of the game, Skinner replied: “She [the goalkeeper] got plenty of time to line the wall up when they moved, so I think it’s ok.”

Fans were quick to give their thoughts on social media.

One said: “I would be embarrassed as a player if I was told to do that. I would refuse.”

Another added: “Embarrassing, really, no respecting coach would allow this at a professional level, surely? School playground tactics.”

A third continued: “I think if they just stood there, then fair enough They just look silly with their hands up.”

With a fourth saying: “Unsporting. Ref should've told them to pack it in the first time they did it.”