Roy Keane was scathing in his criticism of Michael Carrick and Harry Maguire during the build-up to the Manchester derby, with the former United captain questioning their positivity
Roy Keane expressed his annoyance with Harry Maguire and Michael Carrick for focusing on the positives at Manchester United ahead of the Manchester derby. Keane’s remarks were in response to Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones reading out Carrick’s programme notes during their broadcast.
Jones said: “Michael Carrick has spoken to the United crowd as they arrive. He says it’s been a fantastic week, the training ground environment is really positive, the players have applied themselves brilliantly, and there’s been a great atmosphere amongst all the staff.”
Jones then turned to Keane and asked: “That’s all good to hear, isn’t it, Roy?” To which Keane retorted with the rhetorical question: “Well, what d’you expect them to say?”
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“Listening to Harry Maguire there, saying there’s a good vibe, there’s energy in the place. Of course, that’s gonna happen when the new manager comes in.”
“We’ve heard that for the last 50, 60, 70 years. A new manager walks in and says, ‘There’s a spring in everyone’s step, training’s been sharper, everyone’s in a good mood.’”
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“Well, fantastic, because you know what you’re here to do? What you’re here to do at Man United- I used to fall out with lots of people at United; I did, believe it or not. You have to remind people, and I’m including Harry Maguire, you’re here to win. You’re here to win; end of story.
“This idea that everyone’s best pals with each other, and there’s energy. No wonder Harry spoke well of him; he thought, ‘If I speak well, I might get back in the team.’ That’s what seems to happen there. We’ll see what Harry does when the game starts.”
When Gary Neville questioned Maguire returning to the starting XI, Carrick responded: “Experience is important at certain moments. It’s not every solution, but it’s good to have him back.”
Keane did not hold back when discussing the backroom team working alongside Carrick at Old Trafford. He said: “I’m more concerned with the appointment and the staff that have come in.
“I would be like that with most people at this stage of the season. Looking at the group of players they have, it is going to be a big ask.
“You look at Michael Carrick: his remit at Middlesbrough was to get promoted, but he didn’t, so you could say he failed there. But that doesn’t mean he is a bad manager; that was a difficult job.
“It is great for him, but I look at the staff he has brought in, and we sit here every week and talk about Man United being the best of the best, and at this moment in time, I don’t see that, even with the appointment and the staff, but that doesn’t mean to say they can’t get results.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and his staff. But of course I’m concerned, but I said that about the previous manager.”
