Former Manchester United great Roy Keane has sharply criticized Erik ten Hag’s current squad, suggesting that they risk being labeled as merely a “cup team” rather than genuine Premier League title contenders. Keane’s comments follow Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, reflecting his significant dissatisfaction with the team’s performance under Ten Hag.
As a key member of the Sky Sports panel, Keane was blunt in his assessment of the Red Devils’ play. He highlighted the team’s inconsistency, noting that while they have shown moments of excellence in cup competitions, they have struggled to maintain a high level in the Premier League. Under Ten Hag, United finished third one season, indicating potential, but fell to a disappointing eighth place the next year. Keane views this inconsistency as indicative of more fundamental issues within the club.
Keane’s criticism points to the contrast in Manchester United’s recent successes: they have won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in consecutive seasons but have faltered in the league. His concerns extend beyond fluctuating league positions to the broader direction and ambition of the club. He compared Manchester United’s situation to the early days of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, where despite initial struggles, there was a clear plan and robust support for rebuilding. Keane suggested that such clarity of purpose is currently missing at United, resulting in diminished hope among fans and within the club.
Keane also noted a troubling trend at Old Trafford: fans leaving early during matches. He views this as a strong sign of eroded confidence in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. “When supporters start departing after just sixty minutes because the game feels over, it’s a clear indication of how far we’ve fallen,” Keane remarked, emphasizing the psychological impact on both players and management. He believes this visible lack of faith from the fans intensifies the pressure on Ten Hag, who is already under scrutiny for his tactics and team choices.
Despite his harsh critique, Keane expressed some sympathy for Ten Hag and a desire to see the club regain its former glory. He acknowledged that the path to recovery would be challenging unless Manchester United can achieve greater consistency and resilience, particularly in key matches. “I want nothing more than to see United bounce back,” Keane said. “But the longer it takes, and the more performances like today’s we see, the harder it will be to restore that winning mentality.”
Keane’s comments resonate with the growing sentiment among Manchester United supporters and football analysts: the need for a more stable and convincing league campaign. Without it, Keane warns, Manchester United may become known as a team capable of occasional cup successes but lacking the consistency and depth needed to compete for the Premier League title—a scenario no fan of the club would accept. His analysis is a call for Ten Hag and his players to meet the challenge and restore Manchester United to its former prominence.
