‘My goodness, they’re so bad’ – Roy Keane slams Man Utd as he admits ‘big concern’ over lack of improvement under Amorim
ROY KEANE has delivered a no-nonsense attack on Manchester United’s lack of improvement under Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils travel to Anfield, a place where they’ve failed to win since 2016, to take on fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
And former captain Keane has laid into United, who sit 14th in the Prem, as he fears the worst ahead of their Super Sunday clash.
Amorim’s side are 23 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who are also top of the Champions League standings.
Keane said on Sky Sports: “If you look at the stats, my goodness, they are so bad.
“Obviously, the new manager has come in and there has been no response from the players which is a big concern.
“They don’t look like a great group. They’ve got no world-class players.
“They haven’t got a striker that can get them out of jail. The goalkeeper is not great. The players have to be held accountable.
“I just want a bit of passion in their performance. It’s disgraceful what they’re doing week in, week out.”
“You look at the evidence over the last month or two and even previously, and you ask yourself, ‘How can Manchester United even come here to Anfield and get a result?'”
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Many expected United to somewhat profit from the ‘new manager bounce’ that teams such as Wolves have since reaped the benefits of.
But things couldn’t have gone worse for Amorim, who has since admitted that the club are facing a relegation battle.
The Portuguese boss has suffered six defeats already in his short time in charge, four of them coming in the last four games.
United will need a huge performance if they are to steal any points away from Arne Slot‘s men on Sunday.
Liverpool have lost just once this season – in a shock 1-0 defeat to high-flying Nottingham Forest at Anfield in September.
But the Reds look unstoppable at the top of the Prem with a five-point lead over Arsenal with two games in hand.
United were able to upset Manchester City last month, but Sunday represents an even larger mountain to overcome.
And they’ve failed to win a game since, losing 3-0 to Bournemouth at Old Trafford before a 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day.
United haven’t scored a goal in the Prem since Amad Diallo‘s 90th minute winner at the Etihad, as they also saw themselves on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline against Newcastle on Monday.
Amorim’s men also lost 4-3 to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup along the way.
Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright spark
KOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.
Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…
Andre Onana – 5
Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.
Noussair Mazraouri – 4
The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.
But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.
Harry Maguire – 4
Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.
Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.
Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.
Casemiro – 3
Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.
Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.
He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.
Amad Diallo – 4
A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.
Joshua Zirkzee – 2
Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6
Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.
Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6
Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4
Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5
Not enough time to influence the match.