Roy Keane has slammed Christian Eriksen for the post-match remarks he made after Man United’s Europa League draw against FC Twente.
Eriksen was both hero and villain as he scored – but then lost the ball in a dangerous area for Twente’s equaliser as the match ended 1-1 at Old Trafford.
It was a performance characteristic of the ones we have seen from Erik ten Hag’s side this season with the players coming under fire for another lacklustre game.
But for one pundit, it was not just Man United‘s poor play that was so infuriating.
For legendary Red Devils midfielder Keane, one player’s assessment of the game proved equally disappointing.
After the match Eriksen reflected on a game in which he had played a huge part.
He told TNT Sports: “I think we are mostly disappointed as a team.
“I think, obviously we wanted more but in the end it was far from good enough.
“Also in the changing room they looked like they wanted it more than us and that can’t be right.”
But there was one part of Eriksen’s analysis that really riled up the former Republic of Ireland international.
Speaking on Stick to Football, sponsored by Sky Bet, Keane explained exactly what he had made of the comments.
“Eriksen’s an experienced internationally player, vastly experienced,” he said. “He’s back in the United team the last few weeks because the manager says he’s doing really well in training.
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“Eriksen’s not going to close the gap on Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City – absolutely not.
“So he’s coming out after the game a couple of weeks ago and he actually said [Twente wanted it more].
“Even if you feel that and it hasn’t happened where you felt they wanted it more than you, you don’t bloody say it do you, you fool.
“Someone should get a grip of him and say ‘Why are you sending messages about us for?'”
Keane went on: “I would be disgusted if I came in after a game and I felt another team wanted it more than us.
“You try to make sure that doesn’t even cross anyone’s mind.
“The pressure, the expectation, enjoy all of that stuff. We didn’t win every week, there was times when we won nothing, obviously. But you’d embrace that Man United badge, the history.”
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The Europa League is not the only place where Man United have struggled to impress this season.
They have picked up just eight points from their first seven Premier League games as manager Ten Hag’s job continues to look like its in the balance.
Defeats to Brighton, Tottenham and Liverpool epitomise what has been another sub-par campaign so far.
A uneventful goalless draw against Aston Villa heading into the international break seemed to alleviate the pressure somewhat, but games against Brentford and West Ham upon their return will prove a further test.
