Roy Keane labels Man United ‘an average Premier League team’

Roy Keane has heavily criticized Manchester United after their disappointing 1-1 draw with Ipswich in Ruben Amorim's first match, labeling them as an average Premier League team.

The Red Devils took the lead within two minutes through Marcus Rashford, but were under heavy pressure from Kieran McKenna's team for the next hour and a half.

Sunday's result means United remain in the bottom half of the Premier League, languishing in twelfth place, six points behind Arsenal in fourth. To emphasize the extent of their misery, they are now just seven points ahead of Ipswich, who occupy the final relegation spot in 18th.

Only Everton (10), Crystal Palace (10) and Southampton (nine) have scored fewer goals than United's 13.

Their £180 million summer spend has left them in an even worse situation than last season; after twelve games in 2023/24 they achieved 21 points, compared to 16 this season.

Keane argued that United are a long way from challenging for the Champions League places, let alone the league titles, as was once the annual expectation at Old Trafford.

“Man United, whatever their problems, are an average Premier League team at the moment,” he said.

'There are so many teams that are way ahead of them. There is still a long way to go for this United team.

'Big job for the manager, huge job. And again, we keep saying it, but listen, hopefully they can get it resolved.”

Keane delivered a brutal assessment of United's hopes of overturning their poor start to the season, arguing that management changes cannot solve the real problem: their disappointing squad.

'You still have the same players. Same problems. We talk about leopards and spots, the problem United have faced in recent years. Lack of goals, lack of quality,” Keane said.

'We look at Ipswich, who haven't won at home all season and they look the better team. If any team won you had the feeling it was Ipswich.

'Do I believe this group of players has the quality to get United back into the top four out of five? Absolutely not. The evidence just isn't there. Once the game starts, it's the same old stuff.”