Seven-time Premier League winner Roy Keane has joked that Ruben Amorim “should have signed a longer contract” to become the new Manchester United manager because of the amount of work he has to do to restore a team that is “average at everything”.
Sporting boss Amorim was confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s successor on Friday and will inherit a team who have won three of their first 13 games in the Premier League and Europe this season, scoring the third-lowest goals total of any team in the top flight.
“There’s a long way back for this team,” Keane said after United’s 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea in their first league match since Ten Hag’s sacking.
“This is an average United team. All the stats back it up. They could have won the game but you also think they’re going to lose it.
“They’re hit and miss. It’s not good. Boring is a bit strong but there’s a lack of conviction when they have chances. I’m really disappointed.”
“I wouldn’t want to be in the trenches with those players”
Roy Keane vents on the lack of togetherness within the Manchester United squad. pic.twitter.com/uPU7744zaX
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 3, 2024
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Manchester United ‘so flat’
Alejandro Garnacho’s two goals make him the outright top scorer so far for United, who missed a string of presentable chances in their 2-1 defeat at West Ham in Ten Hag’s final game in charge on October 27.
Marcus Rashford shot against the crossbar against Chelsea and Bruno Fernandes’ penalty gave them the lead but Moises Caicedo equalised four minutes later to leave the 20-time champions 13th in the table with a goal difference of minus three.
“It was so flat,” said former United captain Keane, who also won the 1998-99 Champions League and the FA Cup four times during his time at Old Trafford.
“The fans must be disappointed. They’re way off it; they’re way off being in the top four and competing. Some of [the players] think they’re better than they are. They’re average at everything.
“I spoke with him and I apologised” 📞
Bruno Fernandes says he is ‘disappointed’ that Erik ten Hag was sacked and Manchester United players need to look in the mirror 🪞 pic.twitter.com/LitOvG6SfM
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 3, 2024
“The lack of goals is hard to believe but you look at the chances they’re missing and that’s why managers lose their jobs.
“United fans must be going away scratching their heads. It was very quiet today. I wouldn’t want to be in the trenches with those players.”
When is Ruben Amorim’s first match?
Amorim will take charge on November 11 and oversee his first game away at Ipswich Town in the league on November 24 (4.30pm GMT).
The newly-promoted Tractor Boys are currently third-bottom and winless but have still scored one more league goal than the nine netted by United.
