Man United have been a ‘DISGRACE’ for sacrificing Premier League season, Roy Keane claims – as former Red Devils captain calls out ‘lack of effort’ in some games

Roy Keane has branded former side Manchester United a ‘disgrace’ for the way they have struggled to balance their Europa League run with their Premier league campaign.

United’s season all rests on Wednesday night, with Ruben Amorim‘s men taking on Tottenham in the final of the Europa League at the end of what has been a dismal season for the Red Devils.

It is a case of winner takes all in Bilbao on Wednesday, with both sides going into matchweek 37 of the Premier League season placed 16th (United) and 17th (Tottenham).

Whoever comes out on top will also play in the Champions League next season – making the summer transfer window easier and providing relief for two dismal domestic campaigns.

While some have pointed to their progress in Europe for a stunted campaign in the top flight, others have argued it’s not an excuse – and Keane is firmly in that camp.

The former Red Devils captain tore into his old side before their defeat by Chelsea, essentially suggesting their sacrificing of the Premier League is unacceptable, despite their ambitions being elsewhere.

United are 16th in the league table going into the penultimate matchweek of the league season

Keane called out ‘the lack of effort in some games’ as he suggested his former side ‘have not put up enough fight’

United have rotated their team in a number of Premier League games in recent times

‘Chelsea had it a few weeks ago when Liverpool came down and had won the league,’ Keane said on Sky Sports. ‘They turned up and put in a good performance – particularly second half.

‘That’s why everything points to a home win, but I agree, the way United and Spurs have handled their league campaigns and European football has been nothing but a disgrace.

‘The lack of effort in some games, they have not put up enough fight. It’s not like it’s in the Champions League, it’s not demanding in that way, they have played lesser opposition.’

United fielded a relatively strong side against Chelsea on Friday night, but have rested key players in other matches – a move which has potentially cost them a few results.

Against Brentford two weeks ago, the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were rested, and United ended up losing 4-3. They also suffered defeat by West Ham last week. 

‘How they have not been able to balance it and cope with the demands of being at a big club, I just don’t understand it,’ Keane continued. ‘I really don’t get it.

‘From Chelsea’s point of view, you would be rubbing your hands together playing United tonight.’