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‘It’s a reality check. I still think United are way short’: Roy Keane insists Erik ten Hag’s side still have ‘a little bit to go’ before they can challenge for the title after the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal as he criticizes the depth of your squad
Roy Keane said Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday was a ‘reality check’ for Erik ten Hag’s men after their recent run of fine form.
Eddie Nketiah scored twice, including in the 90th minute, to help the Gunners win the vital clash at the top of the Premier League table, after Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez scored for Man United.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the crazy game at Arsenal, Keane, the former Man United captain, said it would have to be a learning curve for the team after their promotion this season.
Manchester United’s loss to Arsenal is a ‘reality check’ for the Red Devils, Roy Keane has declared
Keane said he noticed a number of problems across the United squad in the match.
He said there were still issues to be resolved between the Red Devils before they could challenge for the Premier League title, having been beaten on absentees in the starting XI.
Keane said: ‘United have made progress, but at the end of the game, I’m looking [Luke] Shaw still at left back, there are questions about him. [Aaron] Wan Bissaka, Fred. [Scott] McTominay: It’s like Manchester United haven’t gotten over the problems of the past.
“I don’t blame them as it was a tough game, give Arsenal credit.” It was a reality check. I still think United are very short. There were players missing today, but a team like United should be able to deal with that.
Erik ten Hag’s side are ‘very short’, according to Keane’s analysis of the 3-2 loss on Sunday.
‘Then when the going got tough, you look at the bank and it wasn’t great. For all the money United have spent, they still have a long way to go.
“I think they are certified for the top four, maybe win a cup, but in terms of competing for league titles, there is a way to go.”
One of those missing from the Man United field was Casemiro, who has been missing after picking up five yellow cards throughout the season since joining the club in the summer.
Casemiro missed Manchester United’s trip to the Emirates after picking up five yellow cards this season
Keane said Casemiro’s absence was felt during their clash with Arsenal, when McTominay took his place against the Gunners.
“It’s a big loss,” Keane told Sky Sports. “I think at a club like United you need to deal with disappointment, that’s the name of the game.
“McTominay did well, we’re picky a bit, but you look at some of the options from the bench, when United are under pressure you usually take them out to make yourself stronger and more solid.” I think the guys that came in didn’t necessarily do that.
Manchester United will hope to top their league defeat with a trio of cup games, as an FA Cup tie against Reading next weekend comes between the two League Cup games against Nottingham Forest. .