Roy Keane has blasted two of Manchester United’s most influential players after inconsistent results in the last few months under Rúben Amorim.
Manchester United are continuing to have a very inconsistent season. Ruben Amorim’s side are winless in their last six Premier League matches, but they are looking likely to reach the Europa League final and are the only undefeated side in the UEFA competitions.
However, United’s impressive Europa League performances have not impressed former United captain Roy Keane. While appearing on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane spoke of how unhappy he is with United’s recent form.
“[I’m just fed up at] how bad they are,” Keane started. “They’re getting on my nerves, they keep talking about a big game next week, they’re not even trying.
“A couple of weeks ago at Newcastle, they said ‘we couldn’t focus because we’ve got Lyon coming up’ so they keep writing these matches off… I understand it’s a big game, so you just dismiss these league matches? They’re a disgrace, an absolute disgrace.”
Keane launches bizarre rant targeting Maguire
While discussing United’s right-wing-back situation, Jill Scott suggested centre-back Harry Maguire play there due to his impressive attacking play ahead of United’s first goal against Athletic Club.
Keane was unconvinced and launched a rather bizarre rant about the Englishman despite his fantastic performances of late.
“I know you’re joking, [but] last week, Harry Maguire crossed the ball and everyone’s going ‘what amazing feet…’ He crossed the ball! Skill?
“He did a little shimmy, crossed it! It’s not bad for £80 million, is it, someone who can cross the ball! Oh my god! You’re all living in cuckoo land.”
Maguire has been revitalised under Amorim and has benefited from the new system of playing three centre-backs. However, his attacking threat has been most impressive recently.
As well as being the catalyst for United’s victory against Athletic Club, he was also a superb makeshift striker against Lyon, where he scored a goal and assisted in the last few minutes of play to send United through.
Despite this, Keane wasn’t through with Maguire there, and when the panel were discussing Conor Bradley’s crossing ability, he jokingly asked, “Is he as good as Maguire at crossing?” Although it seemed strange to target one of United’s most informed players, Keane then doubled down and targeted another one.
Keane doubled down on his Fernandes stance
Later in the same episode, the podcast discussed Bruno Fernandes’ impressive recent form following Keane’s criticism of the United captain after the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
When asked about Fernandes’s progress, Keane responded, “Well, they’re getting great records at United this year, aren’t they?” He then went on to add, “No, I’m fed up of listening to it all. Bruno’s a talented player. But talent isn’t enough.”
Like Maguire, Ferandes has been in top form recently, with four goals in his last five starts. However, Keane clearly doesn’t believe that this makes up for the team’s abysmal season.
Although some may struggle with Keane’s words, they seem not to affect Maguire or Fernandes, and they have acted indifferent about similar comments in the past.
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