Manchester United legend Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on former Reds coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of the World Cup. The 73-year-old Portuguese coach, who served as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, was described by Keane as having the 'personality of a dead fish' during their time working together.
Keane's Criticism of Queiroz
Queiroz was part of the United coaching team that secured three Premier League titles and the Champions League under Ferguson. Now in charge of Ghana, Queiroz will face Thomas Tuchel's England at this summer's World Cup. However, Keane has expressed doubts about Queiroz's managerial abilities despite his coaching credentials.
Speaking on ITV's coverage of England's World Cup opponents, Keane said: 'I just hope they don't become too defensive. One of Carlos's biggest strengths was his defensive side of the game. Brilliant coach, huge question marks over him as a manager. I felt like he had the personality of a dead fish when I worked with him.'
Queiroz's Response and Controversy
Queiroz remains optimistic about Ghana's chances, highlighting the nation's passion for football. 'When you talk about football in Ghana, it is in the blood, it is everything. The talent is here so it is an explosive combination to succeed,' he said. 'We're ready to take off and start to fly straight to the World Cup.'
However, Queiroz has faced scrutiny for including former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey in his World Cup squad. Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one account of sexual assault by four different women between 2020 and 2022. The 32-year-old, now at Villarreal, is set to stand trial next year. Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has expressed support for Partey.
When questioned about Partey's selection, Queiroz stated: 'If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about? This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.'
