Roy Keane slams Kalvin Phillips’ ‘SLUGGISH’ performance against Man United after the midfielder’s error led to the Red Devils’ third goal during West Ham’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford
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Roy Keane insisted Kalvin Phillips was ‘slow’ as Manchester United beat West Ham 3-0 on Sunday.
After spending 18 months on the periphery of Manchester City, Phillips was loaned out to West Ham until the end of the season, with David Moyes a long-time admirer of the former Leeds star.
In his second game for the Irons, Phillips replaced Vladimir Coufal at Old Trafford, with Manchester United already leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.
With momentum rarely seen this season, Erik ten Hag’s side stayed in first place throughout the closing stages, with Phillips caught out as they confirmed victory with a third goal.
After receiving a pass from Ben Johnson, Phillips tried to shield the ball from an onrushing Scott McTominay, who managed to steal possession before playing in Garnacho for his second of the afternoon.
Roy Keane criticized Kalvin Phillips’ performance as West Ham were defeated by Man United
After coming on as a substitute, Phillips gave the ball away in the build-up to United’s third goal
In his post-match comments, Keane expressed confusion over Phillips’ intentions with the ball.
“And then listen Phillips, I don’t know what he’s trying to do.” He said this to Sky Sports.
āThe way I look at it, he’s slow. But you have to be punished and I think McTominay does a really good job here because it’s just a nice weighted pass, three nil.
‘I just think he’s coming from the wrong angle. We can make excuses for him, but he comes from the wrong place and tries to protect people. Thanks to McTominay, nice and aggressive. Game’s over.’
The midfielder joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from Manchester City last month
The incident marks just the latest example of the England international’s difficult start to life in east London.
On Thursday, Moyes handed Phillips his first Premier League start since the final day of last season when the Hammers hosted Bournemouth.
Just three minutes into his West Ham debut, a misplaced pass from Phillips was picked up by Dominic Solanke, who deservedly put the visitors ahead.
