Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has described Hector Moreno's tackle on Luke Shaw as a 'brilliant challenge'.
The Manchester United full back suffered a double leg fracture after the incident and is likely to face an extended period on the sidelines.
The 20-year-old was visibly shaken by the incident and received oxygen on the pitch before he was stretchered off following 10 minutes of immediate treatment.
The England international has subsequently undergone surgery on the injury - and United hope that he could return to action in as little as six months - but Moreno's actions have been widely condemned.
Former referee Graham Poll believes Moreno 'showed no regard for Luke Shaw's safety' but Keane has defender the Mexican's actions.
"I thought it was a brilliant challenge," the former midfielder told ITV. "I love the physical side of the game."
"You can always tell by player reactions and none of the United lads at the time, and players are best judges because they are nearest the tackle, didn't react over the top thinking it was a bad challenge, obviously at the end of it.
The Irishman, who was a physical presence in the Red Devils' side for several years, is adamant that Shaw's injury was a product of the speed that the game is now played at.
"When players are travelling that speed, defending like that, injuries are going to happen. I'm surprised there are not more like it. It was more of an accident at the end of with his trailing foot."
