This coach is not the man for this job. Look at what he is saying. No coach those that. He is deceiving both the fans and the board. He needs to get sacked”-Roy Keane exposes Erik ten Hag on what he said after losing against Liverpool.
Former Manchester United star Roy Keane has expressed sharp criticism of Erik ten Hag’s team, suggesting that the current squad risks being seen merely as a “cup team.”
Keane, who was a key figure on the Sky Sports panel during Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, didn’t hold back in his evaluation of the Red Devils under Ten Hag’s management.
Under Ten Hag’s guidance, United has experienced a mix of results in the Premier League, finishing 3rd in one season but dropping to a disappointing 8th place the following year. Despite these league struggles, the team has managed to secure silverware, winning both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup in consecutive seasons.
However, these cup triumphs haven’t been enough to overshadow the alarming 8th-place finish last season, which marked one of the club’s lowest points in its Premier League history. Keane believes that the pressure from that underwhelming campaign continues to weigh heavily on Ten Hag.
In his commentary, Keane voiced his concern for the manager, stating, “You have to be worried for Ten Hag. While I wouldn’t go as far as to predict that he’s in danger of losing his job, it’s clear that the pressure from last season’s poor showing is mounting.”
He added, “Think back to the FA Cup final against Manchester City, and even before that, there were moments where United barely scraped through in some cup ties. But the overall pressure is undeniably increasing.”
Keane also addressed the broader implications of being labeled a “cup team.” He explained, “When you’re at a club as massive as Manchester United, being tagged as a ‘cup team’ is far from ideal. It implies that in the league, you’re not capable of delivering consistent performances week after week.”
He continued, “I’m not even talking about competing with the likes of Manchester City or Arsenal. What concerns me more is United’s ability to be competitive against teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Tottenham. At the moment, Manchester United seems to be lagging behind them, and that’s troubling. It’s not just about what City or Arsenal are doing; it’s the overall level of competitiveness that’s missing.”
Keane’s critique appeared to resonate differently with United fans, as his tone, usually fiery and impassioned, was more subdued and tinged with a sense of resignation about the club’s current state.
Reflecting on the future, Keane, who had numerous fierce battles with Liverpool during his playing days, expressed his doubts about United’s direction.
He remarked, “When Klopp and Arteta first arrived in the Premier League, there was a clear sense of momentum, and you could see that they had the support to turn things around. But for United, after a season where they finished eighth, and now suffering a heavy defeat to Liverpool following a loss to Brighton, that sense of hope is slipping away.”
Keane also pointed out the symbolic impact of fans leaving Old Trafford early, saying, “When the stadium starts emptying out after just sixty minutes because the game feels done and dusted, it only piles on more pressure for the manager. It’s a natural consequence.”
In conclusion, while Keane remains hopeful for a turnaround, he acknowledges the steep challenge ahead. “Of course, I want them to bounce back, but the longer it takes, and the more we see them falter in big games like today, the pressure will only continue to grow,” he cautioned.
