Roy Keane delivers worrying verdict on Manchester United after Ruben Amorim's first Premier League game
Manchester United fans may be full of optimism regarding new manager Ruben Amorim, but Roy Keane is convinced the players will continue to disappoint.
The Red Devils began the Amorim era with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich to leave them 12th in the Premier League standings.
United He got off to a dream start after taking the lead just 81 seconds into the clash at Portman Road through Marcus Rashford.
The strike meant that amorim He became only the second permanent manager in Premier League history to see his team score within the first two minutes of their first match.
But the visitors struggled to create anything of note after that, with Ipswich, who are 18th in the table, taking control of the match.
And they got the deserved equalizer in the 43rd minute thanks to a long shot from Omari Hutchinson.
The Tractor Boys could have taken all three points had it not been for the heroics of Andre Onana, with the goalkeeper twice denying Liam Delap from close range.
United, who have won just four of their 12 games in the top flight this season, now sit eight points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
And the United icon Keane believes there is no chance of his former employers challenging for a Champions League place this season, despite the change of management.
Giving his analysis on sky sports After the match, Keane was asked if United have players who can consistently show their class, rather than moments of quality.
To which he replied: “No, and that's the big problem.
“This team, over the last year or two, has been focused on moments.
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“We saw with the first goal after the first minute that you think: 'Great start, a bit of quality, a bit of pace, a good shot from Marcus getting into the areas you want him to be in.'
“And then United just sat back and you thought: 'What are you waiting for?'
“Ipswich are a team close to the bottom, obviously thanks to a good result from Spurs, but as their home record is not great, let's go after them!
“It was as if United were almost afraid to win the game.
“The manager obviously made a lot of changes in the second half and, to be fair, you think, 'He's obviously trying to win the game.'
“He's still trying to get to know these players, but United, the league position, their results, they probably lacked that confidence and belief.
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“But do I think this group of players have the quality to start to get Manchester United back into the top four or five?
“I've been saying it for years, absolutely not. The evidence is not there.
“And again today, we came here thinking: 'A new coach, a new bounce,' and everything is very positive.
“But then when the game starts, it's the same old thing. Predictable and a real lack of quality.”
Next up for Amorim is a Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt, before United host Everton at Old Trafford in the Premier League next Sunday.
