Roy Keane Slams Manchester United as Desperate After Late Equalizer Squanders Victory Against Relegation-Threatened West Ham
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane criticized the current team’s performance following a disappointing 1-1 draw against West Ham at Old Trafford. United squandered an opportunity to rise to fifth place in the Premier League after conceding a late equalizer. This match featured Diogo Dalot’s early goal, which was countered by Soungoutou Magassa’s 83rd-minute strike, leaving United with yet another frustrating result.
Keane’s Critique of Manchester United’s Performance
Keane labeled Manchester United’s performance as “desperate,” expressing disbelief at their hesitance after taking the lead. “You are playing against a team in the bottom three, they take their foot off the gas,” he stated. Despite being ahead, the team has only managed one win in their last five league games, settling for three draws even though they led in each of those matches.
Lack of Conviction and Anxiety
Keane noted a persistent trend of anxiety affecting the players. “Every time I watch this United team, they disappoint,” he remarked, pointing out their inability to finish games strongly. He questioned why a team of Manchester United’s stature should feel fearful, especially against a struggling West Ham side.
Set-Piece Vulnerabilities
The team’s defensive fragility was a focal point of Keane’s analysis. Manchester United has struggled at set-pieces since the beginning of last season, having conceded 15 league goals from corners, the second most behind West Ham. This weakness was highlighted when West Ham capitalized on a corner to level the score.
Dalot Addresses Team’s Anxious Mindset
Diogo Dalot, the United defender, acknowledged the team’s struggles with anxiety after scoring. “We cannot get as anxious as we get. It’s more our fault,” he conceded in a post-match interview. He expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to maintain control of the game, especially while playing at home.
Lack of Second-Half Control
Post-match analysis indicated a lack of control in the second half, emphasizing the team’s inability to handle pressure. United dominated the statistics, including expected goals and shots on target, yet failed to convert their chances efficiently.
Conclusion
As Manchester United prepares for future challenges, the sentiments expressed by Keane and Dalot reflect the urgent need for improvement. The players must find ways to combat anxiety and reinforce their defensive strategies to build a more resilient team for the remainder of the Premier League season.
