Don't Blame VAR: Roy Keane Identifies Manchester United's Real Issues in Loss to Manchester City, Involving Four Key Names
On 14 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Roy Keane, the legendary Irish midfielder of Manchester United, a prominent Premier League club, pinpointed the true problems under English manager Michael Carrick in their 0-1 defeat to Manchester City, who played with 10 men. He also linked four individuals to the issues.
Roy Keane commented, "Everyone is talking about Manchester City's goal; it's normal to debate it. But before blaming VAR, what was Manchester United doing throughout the game? I think United actually started well, but Carrick's decisions became the problem. You played that striker against Sabah in the UEFA Champions League then left him on the bench against Manchester City? You spent big money to bring Benjamin Sesko here, yet you try to convert Matheus Cunha into the number 9 instead of him? It makes no sense. Then you wait until the 70th minute to bring Sesko on—that's poor management."
"I like Michael Carrick's ideas, but decisions win football matches. Currently, Manchester United aren't making good enough decisions. Ruben Amorim manages his players better than Carrick does. They also lack quality in some positions. I think it will take them another season just to fight for a top-four spot and demand more progress. Manchester United should fight for trophies, not excuses. Michael Carrick must improve himself, and he must do it soon."