Roy Keane has launched a scathing verdict on Manchester United, insisting they are heading for a disappointing Premier League campaign after falling to defeat against Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim’s side showed flashes of progress, with Mathus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all handed opportunities in a reshaped attack. But it wasn’t enough to prevent an opening day defeat.
A 13th-minute header from Ricardo Calafiori proved decisive, with the Italian defender punishing a costly blunder from reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to give Arsenal the three points points.
Amorim struck an optimistic tone after the match, insisting ‘we were not boring’ – a verdict swiftly dismissed by Keane.
‘Yeah, I think with the couple of signings that have come in and we saw today, I was encouraged by that,’ the former United. captain said on Sky Sports.
‘They looked like Man United players, they were happy to deal with the pressure, they’re good characters.
Roy Keane has launched a scathing verdict on Manchester United after their latest defeat
The Red Devils showed signs of improvement against Arsenal but ultimately suffered a 1-0 loss
Ruben Amorim struck an optimistic tone after the match, insisting ‘we were not boring’
‘But we’ve mentioned it many times before, there are problems at the back. We’ve heard noises about them not being boring, but ultimately you’ve got to score goals to win football matches or you’re constantly under pressure.
‘The expectations around the club are so low now that everyone is almost happy.’
Later, when asked to predict where his former club would finish, he replied: ‘Mid-table – 10th, maybe ninth.’
Arsenal’s Calafiori was able to nod home the winner after Bayindir managed to punch the ball but failed to clear convincingly, leaving questions over the Turkish shot-stopper’s command of his area – and Keane didn’t hold back in his criticism.
He said: ‘If you’re the goalkeeper, just take control of the six-yard box.
‘Keepers and defenders complain all the time. ‘Oh people are on my face.’
‘Well, you get in their face. The goalkeeper’s got to take control of that six-yard box. Focus on the ball. Be aggressive.
‘I’ve said it many times for a goalkeeper. Come with violence, come and be aggressive. That is your area. Take control of it.
‘Arsenal are very good at it. But Man United? Weak and soft.’
