The former United captain criticized the team’s performance, stating it lacked improvement and innovation
Roy Keane did not mince words when analyzing Manchester United’s lackluster 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, criticizing the team’s inability to maintain their early intensity and their overly defensive tactics after taking an early lead. Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane expressed his disappointment, highlighting how United squandered a promising start under new manager Rúben Amorim.
The match at Portman Road began on a high note for United, with Marcus Rashford scoring just two minutes in. Amad Diallo delivered a pinpoint cross, allowing Rashford to fire home and give Amorim the perfect start to his tenure. However, the initial momentum quickly dissipated. Ipswich gradually took control, forcing United onto the defensive. Goalkeeper Andre Onana temporarily kept United ahead with a stunning save from Liam Delap, but Ipswich equalized before halftime through Omari Hutchinson’s spectacular, albeit deflected, long-range effort.
While Keane praised United’s opening goal, his criticism of their overall performance was unrelenting. “United started brilliantly—exactly what you want to see in the first minute,” he admitted. “Rashford might not have connected perfectly, and I question the goalkeeper’s positioning, but it was a great delivery from the wing. That’s the kind of proactive play United need.”
Despite this bright start, Keane noted a sharp decline in their performance. “After the goal, they just didn’t do enough. Ipswich deserved their equalizer. United had the chance to dominate, but they sat back and handed Ipswich the initiative. I kept wondering, what are they waiting for? They should’ve pushed on, but instead, they let Ipswich gain confidence.”
Keane also pointed out a worrying trend in Manchester United’s recent games. “There’s no intimidation factor with United anymore,” he stated bluntly. “Opponents believe they can challenge United, and Ipswich proved it. They grew into the game, sensing United’s passivity, and got the result they deserved.”
The former captain’s harsh assessment underlined a broader issue with United’s lack of sustained dominance and urgency in matches. While Amorim’s arrival has generated optimism, this game demonstrated that the Portuguese manager faces a steep challenge. He must instill a sense of relentlessness in his players, ensuring they can maintain pressure and build on their early leads.
Keane’s critique serves as a reminder of Manchester United’s ongoing struggles to compete at the highest level. Without a shift in mentality and consistency, Amorim risks facing the same frustrations as his predecessors, leaving fans questioning whether this squad can rise to the demands of top-tier football.
