Roy Keane has hit out at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Manchester United boss suggested his team should not be considered Premier League title contenders.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “We’re not talking about winning titles. We’ve come a long way this team. We shouldn’t even be considered as title-chasers. That’s one for you (the media) – we’ve got to be better as a team and let’s see where we end up. Going forward, we need to stop conceding easy goals. They (Everton) had three shots that hit between the goals and they scored three goals. It’s disappointing. And when it’s in the last minute of added time it’s very disappointing. I wouldn’t blame anyone on the goals but we know we can defend better.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “We’re not talking about winning titles. We’ve come a long way this team. We shouldn’t even be considered as title-chasers. That’s one for you (the media) – we’ve got to be better as a team and let’s see where we end up. Going forward, we need to stop conceding easy goals. They (Everton) had three shots that hit between the goals and they scored three goals. It’s disappointing. And when it’s in the last minute of added time it’s very disappointing. I wouldn’t blame anyone on the goals but we know we can defend better.”In response, Roy Keane said: “I’m surprised, really, because I still think United – we’re not saying over the last 12 months that they could challenge Man City – but I think they will be the best of the rest. They were disappointed to drop points (against Everton) but they still scored three goals and I still think they’ll finish second. I think they’ll be the nearest to Man City. But listening to Ole and maybe the last few performances – again the goalkeeper (David De Gea against Everton) – they probably don’t have the belief that they can challenge Man City. And if you don’t have the belief that you can do it, there’s a good chance you won’t do it. But they are capable of scoring lots of goals…”
Asked what message Solskjaer’s comments sent to the dressing room,
Roy Keane said: “It’s not great. No, it’s not great. We said it I think after the Arsenal game a few weeks ago, that we didn’t have that feeling from watching the games, from that group of players. And obviously when Ole came up with it that he didn’t feel they were ready to win the league, I just feel if you play for Man United and you’re up near the top, you’ve got to believe you can win the league title – or what’s the point being at Man United? You might as well go to a mid-table team. You’re at Man United to win titles, it’s as simple as that. I don’t tolerate this idea, particularly with the position they’re in. As I said, they’ve got goals in their team. But again defensively, I’ve been critical of them, and the goalkeeper, I’m certainly not his biggest fan. The one thing you want from your goalkeeper is courage – and he didn’t show that for the equalising goal. Not a good sign.”
