Roy Keane once again makes it clear that he is not a fan of Harry Maguire. The outspoken analyst does not like the statements of the Manchester United captain, who said that his team must stick together to get out of the difficult period. “How many times has he said that?” Keane wonders at ITV.
Manchester United have failed to turn the tide under new coach Ralf Rangnick. Went a week ago the Red Devils surprisingly lost at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers (0-1), now occupying a disappointing seventh place in the Premier League. “We are abandoning the fans and have to fight for it,” said Maguire, who missed that last game due to a minor injury.
Maguire believes his team will start on the way up. “This team finished second last year. We have a bigger and better squad this year, so we have to show the right attitude. We have great players in the team, leaders. I’m tired of repeating myself, but it can be like this do not continue. We have to put in a good series from Monday.” United will play at home against Aston Villa in the FA Cup tonight. “We all have to take a huge responsibility, myself as captain just as much as everyone else. We have to win as a team and play well.”
Keane, who himself wore the captain’s armband at United for many years, lashes out at Maguire for those last statements. “I wouldn’t listen so much to what Harry says,” said the former midfielder. “I judge a player by what he performs on a football field, not by what nonsense he spews about ‘we should stick together’. Judge a player by what happens on a football field.” Keane believes United will bounce back on Monday night. “United are not performing well, but at home against Aston Villa you would expect them to deliver and put in a good performance. It hasn’t been good enough lately.”
In November, Keane was also particularly critical of Maguire after the Englishman celebrated a goal against Albania with his hands behind his ears. “If a player puts his hand behind his ear after a goal, it’s a response to criticism. I think it’s embarrassing. He has been a disgrace to Manchester United. Now he thinks he can shut his mouth with this goal. Shameful,” was Keane’s harsh verdict.