Man Utd missed an opportunity to climb to fifth in the Premier League after drawing 1-1 with West Ham at Old Trafford. Diogo Dalot scored, but the "Red Devils" could not maintain their advantage, allowing Soungoutou Magassa to equalize in the 83rd minute.
On Sky Sports, Roy Keane expressed disappointment with Man Utd's performance. He believes the players were too afraid to hold onto their lead and called the display "desperate". According to Keane, the team's consistent failure to capitalize on chances against weaker opponents is a persistent issue.
"They score first, but when facing opponents from the bottom of the table, they slow down", the former Ireland midfielder stated. "While West Ham deserved their equalizer, Man Utd put themselves in a difficult position. They lacked decisiveness and the shrewdness to finish the game".
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Bruno Fernandes covers his face in disappointment after West Ham equalized against Man Utd at Old Trafford, Manchester, UK, on the evening of 5/12. *AP* |
Under Ruben Amorim's management, Man Utd has only secured 20 points from 27 home matches. They have also won only one match and dropped points three times from a winning position in the Premier League.
Keane believes his former club plays too inconsistently, sometimes showing progress, other times performing blandly. He highlighted a mentality of fear, a lack of determination, character, and the ability to maintain performance throughout the match, causing the team to miss crucial opportunities. The 54-year-old former player warned that the team fails to meet the pressure and expectations of a major club, both in terms of quality and intensity of play.
"One minute they seem to be progressing, winning matches and climbing to fifth position, but then they disappoint again", Keane remarked. "Their recent matches have been desperate, very poor. This was an opportunity to finish the job, but they seemed almost afraid. I watch the matches closely and clearly see a lack of quality and intensity. At Man Utd, you must know how to face pressure and expectations".
Keane also pointed out poor defensive ability from set-pieces. Since the start of the previous Premier League season, only West Ham (17) has conceded more goals from corners than Man Utd (15). "You play for Man Utd to handle these situations", Keane stated. "If they are nervous, one has to wonder why they play for Man Utd and are afraid of West Ham."
Similarly, Gary Neville was perplexed by Man Utd's style of play. "I cannot understand the lack of urgency, speed, and risk-taking", the former England defender commented. "Amorim wants the team to play faster and more aggressively from the start, but on the field, things do not unfold that way. I do not see the desire or explosive determination. They play like a team ranked seventh, eighth, or ninth in the league table".
Having been held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham, Man Utd currently stands 8th in the Premier League with 22 points, level with Liverpool and Brighton. In the next match on 8/12, Amorim's team will visit bottom-placed Wolves.
By Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports)
