90min

Roy Keane Warns 'Bluffers' in Man Utd Squad Will Get Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Sacked

By Jamie Spencer

Roy Keane sees a potential repeat of 2018 when Manchester United performances saw Jose Mourinho get sacked
Roy Keane sees a potential repeat of 2018 when Manchester United performances saw Jose Mourinho get sacked / Pool/Getty Images
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Manchester United legend Roy Keane has warned that players will cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his job if results don't improve, insisting there are ‘too many bluffers’ in the squad.

United have conceded 11 goals in three Premier League games so far in 2020/21 and were thrashed 6-1 at home by Tottenham last weekend. Prior to that they had been outplayed by Crystal Palace in another home defeat and were fortunate to beat Brighton.

Pressure is already building on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Pressure is already building on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer / Alex Livesey/Getty Images

In the wake of the Spurs defeat, rumours circulated that United officials had already 'sounded out' Mauricio Pochettino about the possibility of taking over.

Much criticism has been directed at the United hierarchy for failing to build on a positive end to last season in the summer transfer market – they spent all summer pursuing primary target Jadon Sancho, only to fail and complete four deadline day deals instead.

There is now a sense of déjà vu dating back to 2018 when United finished second in the Premier League, but subsequently failed to build. Then boss Jose Mourinho was sacked a few months into the following season when performances fell off a cliff.

Keane has even warned that some of the players whose performances led to Mourinho getting the sack nearly two years ago are still at the club and could cost another manager his job.

Mourinho was sacked in 2018 when an understrength sqaud stopped performing
Mourinho was sacked in 2018 when an understrength sqaud stopped performing / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

“You all have bad days in football. Some of the players were a disgrace to the Man United badge,” Keane said during ITV’s coverage of England’s international friendly against Wales.

“Too many bluffers and ultimately, these players will cost Ole his job. The players he has got there - they threw the previous manager under the bus. They will do the same to Ole.”

An ESPN report earlier this week claimed that United missed out of all of Solskjaer’s primary targets over the summer, which echoes a familiar criticism former manager Louis van Gaal has previously aimed at the club’s hierarchy following his own frustrating spell at Old Trafford.

Man Utd failed to sign primary target Jadon Sancho over the summer
Man Utd failed to sign primary target Jadon Sancho over the summer / DeFodi Images/Getty Images

Confidence and morale in the squad has looked extremely low in the opening few games, perhaps fuelled by the disappointing of a lack of expected reinforcements. But this group was good enough to qualify for the Champions League only a few months ago, while there is also an onus on Solskjaer to better coach and develop the players than the level currently showing.

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