Roy Keane explains Man United’s biggest ‘problem’ after Community Shield defeat

Roy Keane has explained Manchester United’s biggest ‘problem’ after falling to defeat in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

Erik ten Hag decided to deploy Bruno Fernandes as the striker for United in their Community Shield match against their rivals City at Wembley Stadium.

It was the the final dress rehearsal before the Premier League season begins next Friday, as United host Fulham at Old Trafford.

Alejandro Garnacho drove down the right wing, cutting inside on his weaker left foot to slot the ball past Ederson to give United the lead late on in the game.

However, Bernardo Silva equalized with a header just two minutes before the final whistle as makeshift right-back Facundo Pellistri was beaten at the far post.

With the match tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, it went to penalties, where City won 7-6. Jonny Evans missed his attempt, and Ederson made a crucial save against Jadon Sancho.

There were many positives to take from the performance from Ten Hag’s side but one problem still appears extremely evident.

Pellistri needed to fill in at fullback since there were no defenders on the bench for United. Harry Amass was with the squad but was not chosen to be among the substitutes.

The squad depth is a clear issue and one that Ten Hag has addressed. The incoming signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraroui should help things but United’s depth across the pitch is still questionable.

“Manchester United’s squad is pretty strong, but the problem is they pick up a lot of injuries,” former club captain Roy Keane said after the game whilst on ITV punditry.

“If they keep most players fit, then I’d be pretty upbeat for the start of the season. If you were Erik ten Hag, you’d be upbeat, on the evidence of that.

“Just not strong enough in the end, and they’ll need a bit more steel to avoid conceding late goals like the one they did today.”

The opening Premier League game is now just six days away for Ten Hag’s side and they will be desperate to get off the mark with three points.

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