Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is a “clean player with an aggressive nature”, says manager Jose Mourinho.
Rojo escaped with a yellow card from referee Craig Pawson for a two-footed lunge on Wilfried Zaha during United’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
The Argentine also avoided a red card for a similar challenge on Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on 4 December.
Palace boss Alan Pardew described Rojo’s tackle on Zaha as “dangerous”.
“It’s another two-footed tackle, I think he did one before [against Everton]. He was a bit fortunate to get away with that,” he added.
However, Mourinho defended the former Sporting Lisbon player, adding: “He is playing really well – emotional but very clean.”
Former England striker Alan Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day, said Rojo should have been sent off for his challenge on ex-United player Zaha.
“We saw it against Everton and he got away with it. You cannot tackle like that. It would have changed the game completely,” added Shearer.