‘Keane would have been shown a red card!’ – ‘Disgraceful’ Man Utd blasted by Arsenal icon

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 9 May 2024 03:15 CDT
• 4 min read

Roy Keane would have been sent off during Manchester United’s 4-0 capitulation against Crystal Palace on Monday, according to former Arsenal player Nicklas Bendtner, who criticised what was a ‘disgraceful’ performance from the Red Devils.

According to former Denmark international striker Bendtner, who cut a controversial figure during his playing days from 2005-2014, Keane would simply have snapped as the Red Devils turned in a feeble display at Selhurst Park.

Michael Olise, who has been linked with a move to Man Utd, scored twice and Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell were also on target as the Eagles soared against an opponent incapable of defending.

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“Roy Keane would have been shown a red card. I can reveal that right away,” Bendtner claimed on his podcast Stolpe Ind, referring to the Irishman’s fiery temper that saw him sent off 13 times in his career and has seen him cut a niche as an angry pundit, notably going after Erling Haaland in recent times.

“You could see that the Crystal Palace players were just teasing them. I mean, when have you ever seen Crystal Palace players going around teasing Manchester United players because they couldn’t get hold of them? Olise and Eze did whatever they wanted; it was a disgrace to watch.

“It was horrible. Let’s just tell it like it is. But it was collectively that the whole team collapsed. They seemed slow. They seemed tired. They played without motivation and without spirit. They couldn’t even press together. It was such a terrible game of football for 90 minutes that it was painful to watch.”

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Eriksen and Mainoo helpless

Bendtner also turned his attention towards the midfield, where compatriot Christian Eriksen featured alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

“To go to Eriksen’s defence a little bit – if you like – even though it was a terrible performance, it’s him and Mainoo. An older player who hasn’t been known for tackling and heading, and then you have Mainoo, who is 1.70 tall and 18 years old,” he said.

“You can’t expect those two in a new formation with Jonny Evans and Casemiro at the back to play together and do anything.”