Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has launched a fresh and explosive broadside at his old manager Sir Alex Ferguson, accusing him of negatively influencing the club's affairs.
Keane's Scathing Critique of United's Hierarchy
In comments made on Friday 9 January 2026, the outspoken pundit did not hold back in his assessment of the current state of affairs at Old Trafford. Keane directly criticised the decision-making process surrounding managerial appointments, suggesting the club's frequent sackings after short tenures point to a deep-rooted problem.
He saved his most biting remarks for the continued presence of the club's most successful ever manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and former chief executive David Gill. Keane stated the pair are "hanging around like a bad smell," implying their lingering influence is unhelpful and obstructive to progress.
Questioning Fletcher and the 'Joke' Performance
Keane also took aim at current interim manager and former teammate, Darren Fletcher. He revealed his disbelief that Fletcher felt the need to seek Ferguson's blessing before a recent match, seeing it as a symbol of the unhealthy culture at the club.
The Irishman was equally damning about the team's recent on-pitch displays. He described Manchester United's performance in a match against Burnley as "a joke," highlighting the growing disconnect between the club's stature and its current results.
Concerns Over Ratcliffe and Wilcox's Strategy
Looking forward, Keane expressed significant concern about the club's direction under its new leadership. He questioned the judgement of key decision-makers like co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox.
A particular point of contention was the club's apparent preference for considering former United players for interim coaching roles. Keane suggested this nostalgic approach, rather than a clear, forward-thinking strategy, is a symptom of the club's ongoing issues and a failure to learn from past mistakes.
This latest outburst reignites one of football's most famous and long-running feuds, casting a stark light on the internal tensions and perceived power struggles that continue to challenge Manchester United as they seek to return to the summit of English football.
