ROY KEANE launched a blistering attack on Manchester United following their 2-0 derby defeat to title-chasing Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side went in 0-0 at the break before second half goals from Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane settled what proved to be an easy win for the visitors.
Keane, who was a guest on Sky Sports’ coverage of the big clash, didn’t mince his words when it came to discussing United’s efforts.
Roy Keane on Manchester City
"The City players couldn't believe how easy it was tonight,” Keane said in the wake of the game.
“City were very good but it was an easy night for them. They are sitting in the dressing room and can’t believe how comfortable it was.
“I don’t know what happened at half time. They never got going and City seemed sharper in the second half.
“Even the first goal, players not closing players down. We spoke about the basics but I reckon the City players couldn’t believe how easy it was in a derby game.
“You have to put demands on players and I think it was an easy night.”
Roy Keane on Fred
He reserved particular criticism for Brazilian midfielder Fred, who he accused of “cheating” for failing to close down his man for one of the goals.
“What Fred has done is cheating by letting a man run off him for one of the goals,” said Keane.
“City were very good but it was an easy night for them. They are sitting in the dressing room and can’t believe how comfortable it was.
“I don’t know what happened at half time. They never got going and City seemed sharper in the second half.
“Even the first goal, players not closing players down. We spoke about the basics but I reckon the City players couldn’t believe how easy it was in a derby game.
“You have to put demands on players and I think it was an easy night.”
"The City players couldn't believe how easy it was tonight."
Roy Keane and @GNev2 look at the "gulf in class" between the two Manchester clubs...🔴🔵
Watch post-match reaction and analysis live on Sky Sports PL now: https://t.co/h8IlNR1VZq pic.twitter.com/HQJ2r0ToUn— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 24, 2019
Roy Keane on Paul Pogba
The Irishman had set the tone before the game even began when he openly mocked Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba’s comments in a pre-match interview.
"I wouldn’t believe a word he says,” Keane said after the interview aired on Sky Sports.
"Theres no meaning, no meaning behind it. I don’t even think he even believed what he was saying there.
"He’s on about being a good teammate. If you want to be a good teammate then you have to run back, you’ve got to run back when you’re defending.
"He said it got a bit heated after the game against Everton – I heard they were actually throwing their hair gel at each other, it got that heated
"The guy is a talented boy. But we’re saying the same things over and over again and the number of times I've seen him in games where he’s not sprinting back or running back.
"He's talking about body language and throwing his arms in the air – he’s a big problem for United.
"You need good examples at your football club, you need senior players. He’s a mature player, he’s played in big competitions, he’s won big trophies and I don’t think he leads by example from what I see.
“Obviously I don’t know what he is like around the training ground or off the pitch but he mentioned body language and pride, I don’t see it in his performances and my eyes don’t lie to me.
"He's a talented player but you need more than just talent.
“We talk about the real top and great players, they make their team and their team-mates better.
“He doesn’t do that. He plays for himself."
Fair to say Roy Keane was on good form last night...
More: https://t.co/HHd3TLBE44 pic.twitter.com/dDSyOFJp9z— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 25, 2019
Roy Keane on the Manchester United squad
Keane also suggested United’s players wouldn’t hesitate to throw Solskjaer under the bus should the poor results continue.
“I’m always intrigued when I hear after games when people say we’ll be up for the next game. ‘You’re supposed to be up for every game. To me, it doesn’t matter if you’re playing for Manchester United or Altrincham, you’ve got to be up for every game of football.
“I don’t fall for this carry on that there’s going to be a brilliant reaction from these players. ‘These are the same players who threw Mourinho under the bus – and they will do exactly the same to Ole.
“Leopards don’t change their spots, there’s too many bluffers at this club to get United back to the very top. ‘Even the point about United having to finish fourth tells you how the standards have dropped on the pitch both on and off the pitch.
"It’s not up to the manager to motivate the players, you’ve got to motivate yourself, you’ve got to be up for every game at Manchester United. ‘And the fact Ole has got to discuss it after the game, and again the following few days about not being up for a game of football, he must be hugely embarrassed.”
Roy Keane as a Director of Football at Man Utd? 🤔
No chance...
More: https://t.co/EjSJjp4v4K pic.twitter.com/BYO4g3PnQJ— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 25, 2019
Roy Keane on the future
“The worry for me is, they certainly need a couple of centre-halves and two full-backs. That’s four for starters,"the Irishman explained on Sky Sports after the match.
"I think defensively, the back four, I don’t think [Luke] Shaw’s up to it, in defence of [Ashley] Young he’s not a full-back, I know he’s been doing a job there for the last few years. Two centre-halves and then you take it from there.”
“Unless you’ve got a decent keeper and a decent back four, it’s tough going. Yeah, you can get to midfield if you want, but in terms of the foundation and going onto win trophies and getting back to competing near the top [you need a strong defence].
"I’ve been saying it for the last few years, everyone kept talking about midfielders and attacking players, but first and foremost you get your back four – or your back five including the goalkeeper – sorted out.”
“He [Solskjaer] needs to get some players in, some proper defenders. United have been short for the last few years.
“You look at Man City, we praise Pep Guardiola as one of the greatest coaches, a genius, knows the game inside out, but his first year at Man City he didn’t win anything and the first thing he said to his board was, “I need to get some defenders into this club” as well as the goalkeeper obviously.
“Jurgen Klopp was doing well the first one or two years at Liverpool and they were saying “but they look short”, he went and bought a goalkeeper and a centre-half. Ole needs to do the same.”
