Former Manchester United midfielder says the club’s attitude in recent weeks shows how low standards have fallen
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has launched a scathing critique of the club’s attitude and approach, accusing them of acting like a “small club” and settling for mediocrity in pursuit of Champions League qualification.
United are set to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, holding a 3-0 lead, but the team have come under scrutiny for not trying to win domestic fixtures.
“They keep writing these matches off,” said Keane on the Stick to Football podcast. “I understand it’s a big game for them. So you just dismiss these league matches?”
Keane, who won seven Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, knows what it means to maintain high standards at the club. The former Manchester United captain feels that the club have seriously lowered their ambitions, with Champions League qualification now framed no longer as a chance for winning trophies, but as a means of bringing much needed cash.
“Everyone’s talking about United being in it, how big United are, that United are going to be in the Champions League, you’re talking like they’re a small club, as if they’ve got no chance of winning it,” said Keane.
“The way it’s panned out now, it’ll be huge for the club, and the format might mean that they’ll probably win one or two games because of the seeding.
“But in terms of winning it, United are going, ‘we have to be in it’, they’re not talking about winning it! ‘We just have to be in it for financial reasons’. What a place to be!”
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United, currently marooned in 15th place in the Premier League table, have struggled for consistency throughout the campaign. The club have now pinned their hopes on the Europa League as a means of securing Champions League qualification for next season.
However, Amorim said at the weekend that United are not ready to be in the Champions League in terms of footballing ability. Even if the club claim that they want a Champions League return because that is where the club should be, it is telling that no one from the club has spoken of winning it.
Keane’s words capture that fact and echo a growing frustration among fans and former players who expect more from a club of United’s stature.
