Manchester United legend Roy Keane as claims that Manchester United should consider ‘shelving’ their 5/10 rated player who had fewer touches than Bayindir after their terrible performance against Newcastle

Manchester United’s troubled campaign took another hit as they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. In the aftermath, former United captain Roy Keane delivered a fierce critique of Mason Mount, openly questioning why the midfielder continues to feature in the starting lineup despite a string of poor displays.

Keane didn’t mince his words during his post-match analysis on Sky Sports, expressing serious concerns about Mount’s impact on the team. According to him, Mount’s presence on the pitch is proving to be more of a liability than an asset. He described the midfielder’s performance as sloppy and uninspiring, suggesting that it’s high time the manager took decisive action by dropping him before further damage is done.

Mount, who joined Manchester United from Chelsea in a £60 million deal, was brought in with high expectations to inject creativity, energy, and composure into the midfield. However, his outing against Newcastle told a very different story. In a night where the team struggled across the board, Mount’s contribution was virtually invisible. Shockingly, he recorded fewer touches than Altay Bayındır, the backup goalkeeper who didn’t even get on the field.

From the opening whistle, Mount appeared out of sync with the game’s tempo. His transition play was sluggish, defensive efforts minimal, and he frequently surrendered possession in risky areas. Newcastle’s relentless pressing exposed these weaknesses, and Mount’s inability to offer control or stability only deepened United’s problems.

His passes lacked authority, and his movement off the ball failed to trouble the opposition. The pressing aggression he was known for at Chelsea was notably absent, and it was hard to even notice him on the pitch at times. For a player of his reputation and price tag, it was a deeply concerning display.

Keane’s sharp remarks echoed the frustration felt by United supporters, many of whom took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction. According to Keane, Manchester United cannot afford to carry underperformers, especially those expected to lead by example in midfield. He reminded everyone that at a club of this stature, consistent performance is non-negotiable — and if a player isn’t delivering, they should be benched.

Perhaps the most telling statistic of the night was Mount’s lower touch count than a goalkeeper who remained an unused substitute. It painted a damning picture of his involvement and influence in the match.

Now, the pressure is firmly on new manager Rúben Amorim, who is tasked with steadying the ship in what’s fast becoming a turbulent season. The question he must answer is whether to persist with Mount in the hope of a turnaround or to send a clear message by relegating him to the bench. Whatever decision Amorim makes could have significant implications, not just for Mount’s future at Old Trafford, but for the squad’s morale and performance moving forward.