Manchester United legend Roy Keane has delivered a blistering assessment of his former club, branding their defending "pub team" standard and accusing the players of being "scared" after they squandered a lead against West Ham United.
A Costly Collapse at Old Trafford
The criticism followed a frustrating 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Thursday night, where Diogo Dalot's 58th-minute opener – his first goal in over two years – was cancelled out by a late West Ham equaliser. Despite dominating possession with 65% and outshooting the Hammers 17 to 11, United conceded from an 83rd-minute corner taken by Soungoutou Magassa, dropping two crucial points.
Keane, speaking on Sky Sports, did not hold back. "I've watched the games closely, the lack of quality and intensity," he said. "They conceded two against Palace but defended like a pub team. Tonight, if you praise United before the game, they could go fifth. This team isn't ready to be fifth – fifth in the league!"
'Scared' of Success and 'Schoolboy' Performances
The former United captain pinpointed a mental fragility he believes is crippling the side. "They seem anxious. If they are, you wonder why they play for Manchester United and what they are afraid of. Afraid of West Ham, why?" Keane questioned. He argued the team appeared frightened by the prospect of climbing the table. "Again tonight it looked like they were scared to do the job. Scared of going up to fifth. Goodness me, we're talking about fifth place, not top of the league."
Keane also took aim at the squad's depth and individual performances, notably criticising substitute Mason Mount. "When I see Mason Mount come on, he looks like a schoolboy," Keane stated. "Looking at the squad, considering the money spent, it lacks strength in depth, especially in attacking areas. In defence and midfield there are lots of doubts. I wouldn't trust or believe in this team to get results."
Neville and Amorim Echo the Frustration
Keane's former teammate, Gary Neville, echoed the sentiment, highlighting United's poor recent home form which has seen them drop five points in their last two games at Old Trafford. "It's a real frustration they keep having these opportunities: one point from six against Everton and West Ham at home," Neville said. "You can see the disappointment on the faces of the Manchester United players, but they haven't played well enough."
A visibly dejected United manager, Ruben Amorim, admitted his anger after the match. "I'm angry and frustrated," he said. "We are very inconsistent. If you look at the goal, in the 83rd minute, we have a long ball and everything under control. We have to do better."
The result leaves Manchester United in eighth position, just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, in what Keane labelled a "glaring missed opportunity" they were too afraid to seize.
