Roy Keane delivered a seemingly cryptic message on Instagram just hours after Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag.
The Premier League giants announced on Monday morning that the Dutchman has left the club after a little over two seasons in charge.
Ten Hag’s exit came the day after United suffered a fourth Premier League defeat of the campaign in a 2-1 loss away at West Ham.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was previously his assistant but has now been placed in interim charge of his former club.
Speculation over Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford had been rife for months despite him extending his contract to 2026 in the summer.
News of his dismissal may therefore not have come as a shock to fans, and hours after the announcement Keane gave fans his views, albeit in slightly bizarre circumstances
In a post on Instagram, where Keane’s out in the countryside with his hood on his coat over him, the club legend said: “In good teams, coaches hold players accountable. In great teams, players hold players accountable.”
Keane’s cryptic message may hint that he believes United’s struggles are down to both Ten Hag and the players, not just the former.
They have scored just eight goals in nine Premier League matches this season, which is the third lowest tally out of all 20 teams.
United’s weekend defeat to West Ham means they have also won only once in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Keane recently revealed that he had concerns over Ten Hag’s future at the club following their 1-1 Europa League draw with FC Twente.
“When the players came out after the match, I think it was [Christian] Eriksen, again a really poor game, oh my goodness,” he said on the Stick to Football podcast.
3
3
“When players are coming out going, ‘I think they might have wanted it more than us,’ I kind of gave up at that stage.
“If that’s the noise that’s coming out of the dressing room, then no wonder the manager’s in trouble, no wonder they’re not winning football matches, that’s it.”
“But that’s where United are, just hit and miss,” he added. “They’ll win a few games but they’re going to lose plenty, that’s it.
“They’re just too open, they’re not athletic, they don’t score enough goals, I’m not sure there’s a team there.”
Ten Hag won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his stint at United, who are now set to seek a new permanent replacement.
talkSPORT understands Brentford’s Thomas Frank has admirers among the United hierarchy while sporting director Dan Ashworth worked successfully with Eddie Howe at Newcastle.
United have also shown recent interest in Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Sources in Spain claim former Barcelona boss Xavi has held talks about a move to Old Trafford.
Xavi has a close relationship with United chief executive Omar Berrada from their time at the Nou Camp.
