Manchester United legend Roy Keane has slammed the club’s players for their role in Erik ten Hag‘s dismissal.
Ten Hag was given his marching orders last Monday following a dismal start to the season, with United only managing four victories across all competitions before his departure. Despite this, he did secure the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup earlier this year.
United bosses acted swiftly to name Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, although he won’t officially take the reins until the November international break. Keane, however, has issued a stark warning to the 39-year-old coach about the mindset of his new team.
The iconic ex-United captain is of the opinion that Ten Hag was let down by his players’ lack of effort. Keane maintains that some of the Red Devils stars ‘don’t want to run’, leaving Amorim with a difficult job to steer the club back on course, reports the Mirror.
“[I’m] disappointed, you always are,” he said. “It’s a new start, new manager coming in in a couple of weeks. You always wish him well. It’s a big challenge for him trying to get United back competing at the top of the table. It’s a big ask, you wish him well,” Keane expressed to Sky Sports.
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
“But you always have sympathy for a manager losing his job and ultimately I think, whatever [you think] about the board, the players let him down by their efforts and not being good enough.
“The challenge will be, of course, getting players in. We make the point about there’s a few players in the United team in big positions who can’t run, right, which is a big problem. But they also have players who don’t want to run.
“Or when they do run they don’t run hard enough, or run fast enough or long enough, so he’s got to get that in the dressing room, that mentality – and the players who aren’t doing it, you have to try move them on, which is difficult because they’re on long-term contracts.”
In his first remarks since being let go, Ten Hag didn’t lay the blame at the players’ feet; rather, he took a moment to acknowledge the United faithful for their constant support, as well as his staff for their dedication during his tenure.
“The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours,” said Ten Hag in a heartfelt statement.
“I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet.”
“Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end. I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home.”