Roy Keane has become the latest person to deliver his verdict on Manchester United’s first defeat of 2023 after a late goal for Arsenal extended the Gunners’ lead at the summit of the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag’s men took an early lead in the game but Mikel Arteta’s men fought back and scored twice before Lisandro Martinez’s first goal for the Reds set up a nervy finish.
Eddie Nketiah scored his second of the night with just minutes remaining on the clock and speaking after the game, Keane has suggested that United are yet to move on from issues that have caused them problems in the past, naming four players.
"For all the money {Manchester] United have spent, they're still well short" 👀
Roy Keane gives his honest opinion on Manchester United's title chances this season 👇 pic.twitter.com/jN11hH1IZO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 22, 2023
“There is a bit to go with United,” he told Sky Sports after the game, as seen above.
“They did come and perform but it’s hard to win games when you concede three goals. They were part of a really good game but Arsenal deserved it.
“If there was any doubt about whether these players (Arsenal) were up for the challenge ahead, they showed they are top of the table on merit.
“United have made progress. But at the end of the game, I’m looking at (Luke) Shaw still at left-back – there are questions over him. (Aaron) Wan-Bissaka, Fred, (Scott) McTominay… It’s like Manchester United haven’t moved on from the problems in the past.
“I’m not blaming them as it was a tough game, give credit to Arsenal. It was a reality check. I still think United are well short. They were missing players today but a squad like United should be able to deal with it.
“Then when the going got tough you are looking at the bench and it wasn’t great. For all the money United have spent they are still well short.
“I think they are certs for the top four, maybe win a cup but in terms of competing for league titles there is a way to go.”
Keane is certainly not holding any of his punches in the aftermath of the game but in truth, the expectation was never that United were going to challenge for the league title in Ten Hag’s maiden year.
Last season was traumatic for everyone associated with the club and it was always going to take a lot of work to rebuild the club and with all things considered, Ten Hag has done exceptionally well to get United to where they are right now.
United are well ahead of schedule and if the first six months of Ten Hag’s tenure are anything to go by, the future is exciting, to say the least.
Well i agree with the assessment; Man U is still work-in-progress. The Team not able to compete fòr the top price yet. The depht not there yet. The players mentioned were actually the culprit in this match against Arsenal. Like i said earlier in the previous preview and assessment; whether they(Asernal) can win the league. This game confirm they are ready to win it. They only need to keep the pace and tempo. Back to the match; i think Luke ought to have left the pitch fòr Malacia and also a better option in any event Casimero is not on pitch. What we have now is inadequate in circumstance or a big match like these one. Thank you.