Keane dismantles Amorim’s Man Utd after Ipswich draw: We talk about leopards and spots…

Robin Bairner

• 25 Nov 2024 01:13 CST
• 3 min read

Roy Keane was typically forthright in his criticism of Manchester United as they drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town in Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of the Old Trafford side.

The Red Devils made an express start in the game as they Marcus Rashford put them ahead inside a couple of minutes, yet they struggled to find their flow after that point and had Andre Onana to thank for their share of the points as he made two fine saves from Liam Delap.

Aspects of United’s display showed some promise, yet unsurprisingly after a curtailed preparation for this match, Amorim argued that his players did well having only had a couple of days to fully prepare.

READ MORE: Winners and Losers as Man Utd struggle on Ruben Amorim's debut

Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane did not hold back in his criticism, though this was of the squad and not the new head coach.

“We saw the shape of the team but it is the same players and the same problems,” he said.

“We talk about leopards and spots. Lack of goals and a lack of quality in the second half. Ipswich looked the better team. It's his first game. A lot to take in and it has been a mental week for Amorim but ultimately he will be disappointed.”

READ MORE: Man Utd stat shows Amorim is already SOLVING one major problem

’Predictable and a real lack of quality’

Keane agreed with the coach’s assessment that the Man Utd players looked timid.

“This team, for the last year or two, has been all about moments. United sat back and you're thinking, 'what are you waiting for? Go after them!'

“They seemed fearful to go on and win the game. They lacked the confidence and belief. Do I believe they have the quality to get them back to the top four? Absolutely not. The evidence is not there. It's the same old stuff. Predictable and a real lack of quality.”

Man Utd lie 12th in the Premier League on 16 points, with Amorim’s next test his first match at Old Trafford, which will see the Red Devils host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.