Roy Keane has ripped into Manchester United players' lack of intensity and physical presence following their loss to Newcastle, taking aim at Christian Erisken.
Roy Keane has never been one to sugar-coat his words, but even by his no-nonsense standards, the Manchester United legend’s explosive reaction to the club’s 4-1 hammering at Newcastle was brutally direct—and damning in its detail.
United’s trip to St James’ Park quickly turned into yet another embarrassment in what has become a dismal Premier League campaign.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring early, and although Alejandro Garnacho managed to level things before the break, Newcastle tore through Ruben Amorim’s side in the second half. A Harvey Barnes double and a Bruno Guimarães strike underscored United’s glaring weaknesses—particularly in midfield.
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Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane took aim at Christian Eriksen, who he believes is no longer fit for purpose at the club. The Danish midfielder, who joined United in 2022 following a successful spell at Brentford, came under fire for his lack of intensity and mobility in a game that exposed United’s physical shortcomings.
Eriksen Should Have Left One or Two Years Ago
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“I go back to [Christian] Eriksen—United's midfield, they're not mobile, they can't get around the pitch,” Keane fumed.
“Newcastle's midfield were powerful, they were stronger, they were getting stronger as the game was going on. Eriksen should've left Man United one or two years ago!”
Keane, never shy to criticize recruitment and squad building, was adamant that United are still clinging to players who have long passed their peak contribution.
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“United are still going back to the players who I think are a major problem. Are these good players? I think some of them are. But are they good enough for Man United? Absolutely not!”
‘Physically And Mentally Weak’
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Keane didn’t stop at singling out individuals. His wider assessment of the squad was scathing, suggesting the entire team lacks the physical and mental toughness to compete at the top level.
“That’s 14 league games they’ve lost now. We keep making excuses for this team. I don’t think there are players who want to run. Not enough of a goal threat. You’ve got to dig deep, even when you’re up against it—and they didn’t do that in the second half.”
“I think United now are physically and mentally a weak team. Newcastle were too fast, too powerful, more determined… United couldn’t deal with their attacking players. This talk before the game about ‘good signs’—I can’t see it. I just saw another poor performance.”
The Premier League Has Found Out Ruben Amorim
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The former United captain didn’t spare manager Ruben Amorim either, with the Portuguese manager winning just six of his 21 games in charge since replacing Dutchman Erik ten Hag last December.
“I think the Premier League has caught this manager and his coaching staff out. You don’t know the quality of a group of players until you get in the door… and I think he’s been shocked at how bad this group of players are.”
Keane pointed to the club’s recent recruitment strategy—signing players without Premier League experience—as another major flaw that has backfired.
“The lack of goals is a huge problem. In the past, United were entertaining and good for a goal. But with 15 minutes left at St James’ Park, the game was over.”
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‘They Are Not Really Good at Anything’
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In what might be the most scathing part of his monologue, Keane questioned what, if anything, this current United side excels at.
“They’re not robust, they don’t roll up their sleeves and dig out results. You look at certain teams and hang your hat on one thing—maybe they’re big and strong, or technically brilliant. But with United, you ask: what are they really good at?”
“They’ve not got a world-class striker, they’ve not got a strong spine, they’re not athletic… I’m not sure what they’re good at. The table doesn’t lie.”
As pressure continues to mount on Amorim and his players, Keane’s fiery analysis echoes a sentiment growing among fans and pundits alike: the problems at Old Trafford go deeper than tactics or injuries—they’re rooted in a culture that lacks leadership, grit, and identity.
And for Keane, players like Eriksen represent a lingering reluctance to move on from the past.