KEANE QUESTIONS SPIRIT
Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United following their 4-1 collapse at the hands of Newcastle United, branding his former club a “weak team” and insisting that excuses can no longer mask the fundamental flaws in the side.
United fell to their 14th Premier League defeat of the season in alarming fashion at St James’ Park. Despite briefly levelling through Alejandro Garnacho after Sandro Tonali’s early strike, United were overrun in the second half. A clinical brace from Harvey Barnes and a late effort by Bruno Guimarães sealed a dominant victory for the hosts, leaving United’s Champions League hopes in tatters.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane pulled no punches in his assessment of Ruben Amorim’s team.
“It’s just not good enough – especially that second half,” Keane said. “That’s 14 league games lost now, and we keep hearing excuses. There aren’t enough players in that side who want to run, who are willing to fight. There’s no cutting edge, no real desire. When they’re up against it, they fold.”
The defeat came just days after United had thrown away a late lead in a 2-2 draw against Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. It was yet another performance that left more questions than answers for a team increasingly seen as rudderless.
Keane didn’t hold back on the psychological fragility he sees within the current squad.
“I think United now are physically and mentally weak,” he added. “Newcastle were too fast, too strong, too hungry. The pace and power in their front line overwhelmed United. We’ve been talking about signs of progress, but I didn’t see any tonight. Just another flat, toothless second half.”
The former United captain, who lifted the Premier League trophy seven times during his decorated career, suggested Amorim might already be questioning the scale of the task he has taken on since replacing Erik ten Hag in November.
“I actually feel for the manager a bit,” Keane said. “You could see his frustration after the game. Of course, he’s trying to focus on the second leg in Europe – but he must be baffled by what he’s seeing week in, week out. He can’t come out and say it publicly, but I bet privately he’s stunned by the quality – or lack of it – in this group.”
Amorim’s post-match comments reflected his growing exasperation. Asked about the mounting criticism, the Portuguese coach said, “I don’t care,” and shifted the focus toward the vital return leg in Europe. But for Keane, brushing aside domestic failings won’t change the bigger picture.
“It’s not just about losing. It’s how you lose,” he said. “There’s no fight, no character. You expect more pride from players wearing the United shirt. If you’re Amorim, you’ve walked into a situation where the recruitment has been all over the place. Some of these lads just aren’t good enough to play at this level, never mind for Manchester United.”
Keane did extend some sympathy, pointing out that several players are still adjusting to the demands of the Premier League, as is the manager himself. But he was emphatic that the current squad lacks the resilience, quality, and mental toughness expected at a club of United’s stature.
“This summer is huge for them,” Keane concluded. “Recruitment has to be smarter. There’s some talent there, sure – but is it United-level talent? Absolutely not. And that’s not just on the players. That’s on the club for assembling this mess and expecting miracles.”
As Amorim prepares his side for the crucial second leg in Europe, the weight of United’s domestic failings continues to grow heavier. And if Roy Keane’s damning verdict is anything to go by, far sterner tests await this team before redemption can even be considered.