Considering how the match played out, it’s seriously impressive that Liam Kelly was the talk of Twitter following Reading’s FA Cup clash against Manchester United.
All the talk after the Red Devils’ 4-0 hammering should have been focused on the winners and Wayne Rooney equaling Bobby Charlton’s long-standing goalscoring record. While a lot of the post-game discussion centred around these things, Liam Kelly’s name kept cropping up. This is an impressive feat for a man who was on the losing side of such a one-sided match.
However, anyone who’s seen Kelly play before will know that he has a penchant for turning heads. While togging out for the Republic of Ireland under-19s against Sweden in 2013, the Dubliner stole the show with a sensational wondergoal from the halfway line.
The moment of pure magic came in the 83rd minute and was the solitary goal in the game.
The 21-year-old didn’t have any chance of being the hero his side needed at Old Trafford on Saturday, but his performance caught the eye of a lot of fans. He showed such maturity for a young player throughout, managing to not allow his club’s inevitable demise impact on his showing.
Making a mug of Daley Blind and winning a header of Marouane Fellaini were among the numerous highlights from the diminutive midfielder during his 90 minutes against United.
Everyone on Twitter was in agreement, Kelly appears to have great things in his future if he continues down this trail he’s blazing.
Liam Kelly did not look out of place next to some of the best players in the world. He's destined for the Premier League. #readingfc pic.twitter.com/DHIA10Cw3Z
— Talk Reading (@TalkReading) January 7, 2017
Not to be for #readingfc today. Awful start left them with a mountain to climb. Enjoyed Liam Kelly's performance though – no fear.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 7, 2017
Liam Kelly has looked quite composed when on ball today. Readings best player today. 🇮🇪 🍀 very tough day for them as United right on song
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) January 7, 2017
Liam Kelly top performances vs Arsenal and United this season. Plays like he graduated from a top Spanish academy.
— RG (@registability) January 7, 2017
That Liam Kelly looks class for reading, totally unfazed by the occasion.
— Tom (@TomConnally_) January 7, 2017
and another top performance from Liam Kelly. One of our own. #readingfc
— Tom Hall (@TomWHall) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/dingcharlie_/status/817754542590873600
MOTM has to be Carrick for me (although should he be on the pitch with blood everywhere 🤔) closely followed by Liam Kelly.
— Sean (@seano_1871) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/ConallM13/status/817745731402526721
Liam Kelly oozed quality against a side like united, what a player #readingfc
— L (@notrating1) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/LHurlz/status/817746081266233344
https://twitter.com/turner1871/status/817742185617625088
Liam Kelly is the best thing since sliced bread though.
— George (@George_Stone97) January 7, 2017
I am impressed by @ReadingFC player Liam Kelly performance vs @ManUtd. Definitely a player to lookout for the future of the @FAIreland team.
— Christopher Toner (@CHTONES22) January 7, 2017
