Roy Keane, the legendary former Manchester United captain, has never been one to hold back on his opinions, especially when it comes to his old club. As Erik ten Hag prepares his squad for the upcoming season, Keane has voiced his concerns about two key positions that he believes could hinder United’s progress. Despite expecting United to improve on last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish, Keane has identified areas that need urgent attention if the Red Devils are to compete at the highest level once again.
The Goalkeeper Dilemma
One of the positions Keane is most concerned about is the goalkeeper. With David De Gea’s form fluctuating in recent seasons and his contract situation still unresolved, Keane has questioned whether United have the stability and quality needed between the sticks. The former United midfielder has always emphasized the importance of a reliable goalkeeper in a successful team, and he worries that the uncertainty surrounding De Gea could cause problems as the season progresses.
Keane has also highlighted the lack of competition for the starting goalkeeper role as a potential issue. While Dean Henderson has shown promise, his inconsistent performances during his loan spells have left some doubts about his ability to take over as United’s number one. Keane believes that without a top-class goalkeeper, United could struggle to maintain consistency, especially in the crucial moments of the season.
Concerns in Central Midfield
The second position that Keane is worried about is central midfield. Despite the additions of talented players like Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, Keane feels that United still lack the physicality and presence needed in the middle of the park. The midfield was a problem area for United last season, with the team often being overrun by more dynamic and robust opponents. Keane fears that this could be a recurring issue if it’s not addressed properly.
Keane’s concerns extend to the balance of the midfield. He has pointed out that while United have creative players capable of unlocking defenses, they lack a true enforcer—a player who can break up play, dominate physically, and protect the backline. The reliance on Casemiro as the primary defensive midfielder puts a lot of pressure on the Brazilian, and Keane is skeptical about whether the current squad has enough depth and quality to cope if injuries or suspensions occur.
A Call for Urgent Reinforcements
Keane’s comments are not just criticisms; they’re a call to action. He believes that if United are serious about challenging for the Premier League title and making a deep run in the Champions League, these two positions need to be strengthened before the transfer window closes. Keane’s worry is that without addressing these key areas, United could find themselves in a similar situation to last season, where inconsistency and defensive frailties cost them vital points.
Expecting Improvement, But With Caution
Despite his concerns, Keane is optimistic that Manchester United will improve on their eighth-place finish from last season. The former captain has praised the work that Erik ten Hag has done so far, particularly in terms of instilling discipline and improving the team’s mentality. However, Keane’s optimism is tempered with caution, as he knows that the Premier League is more competitive than ever, and even small weaknesses can be exploited by rival teams.
Keane has always been a straight-talker, and his latest assessment of Manchester United is no different. As a player who knows what it takes to win titles, his worries about the goalkeeper and central midfield positions should not be taken lightly. For United fans, Keane’s words may serve as a reminder that while the team is on the right path, there is still work to be done if they are to return to the summit of English football.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how Manchester United address these concerns. Will they make the necessary signings to bolster their squad? Or will Keane’s worries prove to be prophetic as the campaign unfolds? One thing is certain: the pressure is on, and Manchester United cannot afford to ignore the advice of one of their most iconic leaders.