Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has revealed that he apologised to Michy Batshuayi after appearing to kick out at the Chelsea forward in Monday's Premier League fixture.
After Batshuayi committed the initial foul, Maguire reacted by sticking out his leg and making connection between the player's legs, ultimately led to calls for a red card.
However, no further action was taken, and the centre-back feels that the correct decision was reached, despite acknowledging that he felt the need to apologise for his actions.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Maguire said: "I knew I caught him but I felt like he was going to fall on me, but my natural reaction was to straighten my leg so, if he was to fall on me, to hold him up.
"Obviously I've got studs on my boots and it probably looks worse than what it was on TV. It was a natural reaction. It wasn't a kick out. There wasn't any intent or anything like that.
"It was just my natural reaction to straighten my leg and if he was to fall on me to hold him up. I did catch him and I knew at the time, but I think it's the right decision in the end. I apologised to him but it was nice that the referee saw sense."
United earned a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, taking the club to within three points of their fourth-placed opponents.
Darren Plant
