Former Manchester United legend Roy Keane has delivered a scathing assessment of Erik ten Hag’s current squad, suggesting that they run the risk of being labeled merely as a “cup team” rather than serious contenders for the Premier League title. Keane’s remarks, coming after Manchester United’s humbling 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, indicate his deep dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of the club under Ten Hag’s stewardship.
Speaking as a prominent member of the Sky Sports panel, Keane didn’t mince his words when analyzing the Red Devils’ performance. He criticized the inconsistency shown by Ten Hag’s side, pointing out that despite flashes of brilliance, particularly in cup competitions, the team has struggled to maintain a high standard in the Premier League. Under Ten Hag, United managed to finish third in one season, showing promise and potential, but slumped to a disappointing eighth place the following year. This inconsistency, Keane argued, is a sign of deeper issues that need to be addressed.
Keane’s criticism highlights the dichotomy in Manchester United’s recent achievements: while they have found success in knockout competitions, lifting the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in consecutive seasons, their league form has been less convincing. Keane’s concerns are not just about the fluctuating league positions but about the overall direction and ambition of the club. He drew a comparison to the early days of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, where despite initial setbacks, there was a visible plan and strong support for rebuilding the team. Keane suggested that such a sense of purpose is currently lacking at Manchester United, leading to a loss of hope among fans and within the club itself.
The former United captain also pointed out a worrying trend that has emerged at Old Trafford: fans leaving the stadium early during matches. This, according to Keane, is a powerful indicator of the waning confidence in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. “When the stands start emptying after just sixty minutes because the game already feels over, it’s a sign of how far we’ve fallen,” Keane said, highlighting the psychological blow to both players and management. He believes this visible lack of faith from the fans adds an extra layer of pressure on Ten Hag, who already faces scrutiny over his tactics and team selections.
Despite his harsh critique, Keane did express a measure of sympathy for Ten Hag and a desire to see the club return to its former glory. However, he was realistic about the challenges ahead, acknowledging that unless Manchester United can show more consistency and resilience, especially in big games, the path to recovery will be long and arduous. “I want nothing more than to see United bounce back,” Keane admitted. “But the longer it takes, and the more we see performances like today’s, the harder it will be to regain that winning mentality.”
Keane’s commentary echoes a growing sentiment among the Manchester United faithful and football pundits alike: the need for a more stable and convincing league campaign. Without it, Keane warns, Manchester United could find themselves typecast as a team that is capable of occasional cup successes but lacks the depth and consistency required to challenge for the Premier League title—a fate that no fan of the club would want to accept. His analysis serves as a call to action for Ten Hag and his players to rise to the challenge and restore Manchester United to the heights it once commanded.