Roy Keane criticized the Manchester United squad, labeling several players as “bluffers” following their crushing Premier League loss on Sunday. Club icon Gary Neville also weighed in, acknowledging that the team is in a “desperate situation.”
Manchester United suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United — marking their 14th loss of the season and leaving them languishing in 14th place in the standings. While criticism was directed at manager Ruben Amorim, Keane also expressed frustration with Bruno Fernandes’ remarks in his post-match interview.
“We lack being more fearless, being more brave,” Fernandes told Sky Sports. “Today was not the case because we ended up conceding goals by trying to be brave.
“My teammates — I only get frustrated with them because I know how good they can be. I know how tough it is to represent this club.”
Keane, who captained United during his playing career and made 480 appearances for the side, did not hold back in his assessment, suggesting Fernandes is surrounded by underperforming teammates.
“To be fair to Bruno Fernandes he fronts up, but to me it’s just soundbites now,” Keane said during his appearance as a pundit on Sky.
He was addressing his teammates and talking about belief, but the spotlight should also be on his right-back, Diogo Dalot, who made no attempt to put in a tackle. If he truly values belief in his teammates, I hope he’s calling him out behind closed doors. Real teammates challenge one another to do better.
It’s got to be incredibly difficult operating in that midfield with all the pressure falling on him alone—it’s simply not fair. And when he speaks about the fans and belief, it feels more like empty phrases. “There is no meaning to it. I’m not sure this United group are an honest group.”
Back when I played, the best teammates I had held me accountable and wouldn’t accept shortcuts. That’s what defines a real team. “These aren’t teammates, they are bluffers.”
As United head into a critical Europa League quarterfinal second leg against Lyon on Thursday, the competition still holds a chance for Amorim’s men to secure Champions League football.
Yet Neville, a one-club man with United throughout his career, expressed concern after the latest loss.
“I don’t think there’s a lack of effort,” Neville told NBC. “They’re giving it their all. But they’re so below the standard and quality you need at that football club all over the pitch.
“Other than Bruno [Fernandes] and Amad Diallo maybe, I can’t think of any of them I would hang my hat on.
“It’s a really desperate situation. The squad is so poor on quality. They have old players, they have young players who are nowhere near it, they have a group in the middle … It’s a worrying situation.”
Source: Espn.in
