Roy Keane had low hope for Manchester United’s season back in September (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United legend ‘s prediction about the team’s struggles has proven accurate as the club endures another disappointing season under ‘s management. With the Red Devils stuck in 14th place in the Premier League and eliminated from both domestic cups, their only remaining hope lies in the Europa League.
However, Keane’s optimism was already wavering after their 1-1 draw with FC Twente in September. What caught his attention was Christian Eriksen’s post-match comment that the Eredivisie players “wanted it more than us”, which Keane deemed an unacceptable admission.
On an episode of , Keane shared his frustration, saying: “When players are coming out after the [FC Twente match] and going, ‘I think they might’ve wanted it more than us’, I kind of gave up at that stage,” Keane said. “If that’s the noise coming out of the dressing room, then no wonder the manager’s in trouble. No wonder they’re not going to win football matches.”
Keane’s prediction seems to have come true, as United’s performance under Amorim has worsened, with eight losses in 16 league games, including five at home, and six scoreless defeats – only highlighting the club legend’s concerns further. “But that’s where United are – it’s hit and miss,” the Irishman added, reports .
“They win a few games, but they’re going to lose plenty. They’re too open. They’re not athletic. They don’t score enough goals. I’m not sure there’s a team there. I don’t recognise this team. I don’t recognise the club. I would be disgusted if I came in after a game and I felt another team wanted it more than us.”
Keane, who has been out of coaching since his time as an assistant coach for the Republic of Ireland under Martin O’Neill, has been suggested as a potential addition to United’s set-up to support Amorim by ex-team-mate Mikael Silvestre. “I think it would be great for to play a role at ,” the former France international expressed to Yaysweepstakes.com.
Ruben Amorim’s only chance of silverware this season is the Europa League (Image: Getty)
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“Because, the thing is with Roy, he always treated everybody exactly the same way. It didn’t matter if you were a new signing, an old guy, the manager, everybody. That’s how he got respect. That’s how Sir Alex got respect. If you treat everybody the same, no problem.
“I think it’s a bit of a problem with this generation of players. They find criticism harder to take. If was involved at , if he was on the inside with the group, he would have to protect and work for the group, you wouldn’t see him criticising players in public, so there wouldn’t be any issue.”
Keane had an opportunity to address the United squad at Carrington in 2019 following an invitation from then-manager . He reportedly emphasised the privilege of playing for a prestigious club like United and offered guidance on how to restore its glory days. However, his earlier comments imply that he might consider the current team beyond his assistance.