Roy Keane took the time to praise a “beautiful” moment from a Manchester United star amid Rúben Amorim’s 4-1 loss against Newcastle United.
Manchester United slumped to their 14th Premier League defeat of the campaign on Sunday, falling 4-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Rúben Amorim’s side began with promise, but it was the hosts who struck first. A delightful lofted pass from Alexander Isak found Sandro Tonali, who coolly finished to put Newcastle ahead after 25 minutes.
Though Newcastle dominated much of the possession, United hit back against the run of play. A quick counter saw Alejandro Garnacho level the score at 37 minutes with a composed finish, sending the sides in level at the break.
But Newcastle regained control almost immediately after the restart. Jacob Murphy’s cut-back was met by Harvey Barnes to make it 2-1, and Barnes doubled his tally soon after, punishing a slip from Noussair Mazraoui.
The hosts added a fourth late on, with Bruno Guimarães capitalising on a sloppy pass from Altay Bayındır to seal the win. United’s response fell flat, as Amorim’s men left Tyneside empty-handed after another disappointing afternoon.
Keane praises Garnacho’s improvement
Garnacho’s goal against Newcastle was only his second Premier League goal across 2025. Keane praised the young forward for his composure for this goal but stated it was something that needs to be seen more often.
“What then you want is your end product,” Keane said as they watched footage of Garnacho running onto Dalot’s through-ball. “And Garnacho, which [end product] is probably one of his weakest parts of his game, I have no complaints there.
“Takes a lovely touch with his right foot, comes on to his left, and a beautiful finish. He needs to do more of that. We saw a lovely composure and United back in the game. Absolutely brilliant.
He needs to see more of that. That’s where he needs to improve his game, his end product. No complaints this time.”
Garnacho lacking clinical edge
Although he took his goal against Newcastle well, Garnacho has undoubtedly been lacking a clinical edge this season.
The 20-year-old has managed 10 goals and eight assists in 49 appearances this season but has still failed to capitalise in multiple pivotal moments. Garnacho has missed 21 big chances this season in all competitions, the most of any player at the club.
However, it is not all negative for Garnacho. Today’s goal puts him in front of Cristiano Ronaldo for Premier League goals scored for United before turning 21. Ronaldo managed 14, whereas Garnacho is now on 15 and still has a potential six more games to extend that record.
Ronaldo certainly developed from his early years at United, when he was plagued with many of the same problems as Garnacho. If the Argentinian can follow Keane’s advice and develop in the way Ronaldo did, then he will be able to put lackluster seasons like this behind him.
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