Roy Keane tears into Manchester United’s FA Cup showing against Leicester: ‘They’re boring’

It’s safe to say Roy Keane was not impressed with United’s first-half performance at Old Trafford

Lawrence Ostlere
Friday 07 February 2025 17:14 EST
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ITV pundits Ian Wright and Roy Keane watch on at Old Trafford
ITV pundits Ian Wright and Roy Keane watch on at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

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Roy Keane launched a stinging critique of Manchester United’s players at half-time after they reached the break a goal down against Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday night.

Ruben Amorim’s side failed to register a shot on target during another tepid performance, and found themselves a goal down when Bobby De Cordova-Reid headed in a rebound from close range shortly before the break.

Speaking on ITV, the former United captain said: “They’re boring now. You feel like going into the dressing room and reminding them what the game’s about – ‘there’s a goal at that end and you need to get the ball in it to score’. It’s as if they’re not even aware of it. Leicester haven’t been that great, they’ve done OK.

“United aren’t even getting the basics right. Sloppy, trying to beat people 25 yards from their own goal, people not staying with their runners.

“From United’s point of view, my godness, is this what it’s come to? We know their record’s poor, but we’re coming here tonight and looking at it going, ‘surely there’ll be a reaction, surely they’ll have enthusiasm and energy for the game’. They don’t even seem to have that.

“I bet Leicester can’t believe how easy it is.”

Andre Onana retrieves the ball after conceding
Andre Onana retrieves the ball after conceding (Action Images via Reuters)

On new signing Patrick Dorgu, who is left footed but began the game on the right side, Keane added: “He’s playing right wing-back. You think it’s unfair on certain players.“

Dorgu was replaced at half-time by Alejandro Garnacho as Amorim tried to change the game.

“If they lose this tonight, it will be a huge blow,” Keane warned. “It will be hard to recover from.”

United did indeed recover, with second-half goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire, although the defender’s last-gasp winner was clearly offside – VAR is not used up to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Keane praised the impact of substitute Garnacho, whose energy and direct dribbling caused Leicester constant problems, but he was still not impressed with the overall display.

“The linesman has to see it [Maguire being offside]. United got out of jail tonight. The performance itself was nowhere near good enough.”

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