Darren Randolph has usurped Adrian as West Ham's number one goalkeeper in recent times, as just days after the Bray man put in a point-saving performance for the Hammers at Old Trafford, the Spaniard was back on the cup duty that Randolph had been limited to in recent seasons.
But if he was hoping to make an impression that could see him regain the starting spot between the sticks, a goal conceded inside two minutes would have been a nightmare.
Even worse, he probably should have been sent off for what appears to be a very nasty challenge that left Zlatan Ibrahimovic writhing in pain instead of celebrating his goal.
It was almost undetectable on first viewing, but the reverse angle shows that he recklessly raised his studs as the big Swede attempted to jump over him.
And the photos don't look good either, which has lead to man Man Utd fans venting their frustrations and even calling for retrospective punishment...
Expecting some sort of punishmet. @FA pic.twitter.com/FopmdGGR8m
— Moe. (@NoLaughingMata) November 30, 2016
If Adrian doesn't get a retrospective ban for the blatant kick on Zlatan, it will prove the anti United agenda at the @FA.
— Dan (@dandwhit6) November 30, 2016
Yellow card for Valencia standing on a player's toe,no card for Adrian almost knee capping Zlatan #consistency #mufc #EFLCup
— fiona grant (@Rma13Fiona) November 30, 2016
Adrián's late tackle on Zlatan after the opening goal. Disgusting #MUFC @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/ptSWBIa1YH
— TheUtdBible (@TheUtdBible) November 30, 2016
Just seen the Adrian challenge again on Zlatan. Stunned he’s still on the pitch
— Andy Goldstein MBE (@andygoldstein05) November 30, 2016
Did he mean it? That is the genuine question, but what on earth was he doing if he didn't? You could say he was trying to protect himself, but from what? Zlatan was jumping over him, and he extended his leg studs first.
Dangerous play, and the Sky Sports studio suggested at half time that if the ref had spotted it he would have been sent off.
