Roy Keane Criticizes Manchester United’s Current Form, Questions Club's Culture

 

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has expressed his deep frustration with the club, stating that he has "given up" on them, particularly in light of their disappointing start to the season. Keane voiced his concerns about the team's form and questioned the culture within the club, which he believes has contributed to their struggles.

Manchester United, under the management of Erik ten Hag, have endured their worst start to a Premier League season, sitting in 14th place with only eight points from seven matches. The pressure is mounting on Ten Hag as the Red Devils struggle to find consistent form.

Speaking on Stick to Football, a show brought to viewers by Sky Bet, Keane criticized the team's mentality following a poor performance. Referring to a post-match comment after the Twente game, where players admitted the opposition "wanted it more," Keane remarked, "I kind of gave up at that stage." He continued, "If that's the mindset coming from the dressing room, it's no wonder the manager is under pressure, and it's no wonder they're struggling to win matches."

Keane added that United’s inconsistency will continue, explaining, "They will win a few games, but they're going to lose plenty. I'm not sure there is a real team there. I'd love to know what the culture is like at the training ground, who's pushing each other and helping the younger players."

Discussing Ten Hag's recent decision to drop centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt in favor of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans during a match against Aston Villa, Keane criticized the manager’s approach. "You can't keep going back to the lads who are part of the problem. But if you think Maguire is the answer... the new lads need a chance. Build up relationships," he suggested.

Keane, who spent 13 years at Manchester United and won seven Premier League titles during his tenure, lamented how much the club has changed since his playing days. Comparing the current United side to the one he was part of, he said, "United was always about good people and good characters who could handle playing for the club. I don't see that now. I don’t recognize this team, and I don’t recognize the club."

He also criticized the club’s recent recruitment and decision-making processes, stating, "They've spent more money, but they've gone backwards. When we discuss United, it's more like a business than a football club. A football club is about people who show up and put in the work. I'm not sure I'm seeing the right football people making the right decisions for the club."

Keane’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among fans and pundits as Manchester United struggle to regain their former dominance in English football.