Roy Keane has issued a stark warning that Manchester United’s troubles could deepen before any signs of improvement emerge.
The club legend has taken aim at manager Ruben Amorim, questioning his inability to motivate the squad since his November appointment.
United currently find themselves in a precarious 14th position in the Premier League table.
Keane’s criticism comes after the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, a result that highlighted the ongoing struggles at Old Trafford.
Roy Keane was not happy with United’s draw against Arsenal
Sky Sports
“There has been no real reaction to the new manager coming in,” Keane said, expressing concern about the lack of response from players to Amorim’s arrival.
The former captain’s comments reflect growing unease about the direction of the club under its current leadership.
Amorim has endured a difficult start to his United tenure, winning just six Premier League matches since replacing Erik ten Hag last November.
Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal saw Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant free-kick cancelled out by Declan Rice’s second-half finish.
The result leaves United languishing in 14th place, level on points with Tottenham who sit above them on goal difference.
“The standards of the club have been dropping for a number of years, and have they reached rock bottom? Maybe there’s a bit to go yet,” Keane warned ominously.
The 53-year-old’s assessment paints a bleak picture of a club that once dominated English football.
United’s current position represents a dramatic fall from grace for a side that traditionally challenged for the Premier League title.
Keane’s criticism extended to the players’ response to their new manager, suggesting deeper issues within the dressing room.
“Players will be looking at the manager and thinking, ‘What are you bringing to the party?’ And when there’s been literally no reaction after coming into the club, well that’s a bit worrying,” he stated.
United have big problems, Roy Keane insisted
PA
The Irishman highlighted specific performance concerns that have plagued United this season.
“There have been a few injuries, but they don’t look like there are many goals. They don’t look good at set-pieces, and they not very dynamic,” Keane observed.
He emphasised the urgent need for a change in mentality at the club.
“They have to try and get some belief and confidence back into the group,” he added, pointing to the psychological barriers hampering progress.
Keane also noted the club faces “huge struggles on and off the pitch” that have been “well documented” in recent months.
United return to action on Thursday when they host Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.
Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick earned United a draw against Arsenal
Reuters
The 8pm kick-off presents another opportunity for Amorim to address the team’s concerning form.
Keane’s criticism wasn’t limited to the team’s performances, as he also took aim at the changing expectations among supporters.
The former captain mocked United fans for cheering a draw against Arsenal.
“We used to get booed for a draw,” Keane remarked, highlighting how standards have slipped at Old Trafford.