‘I’m shocked’ – Keane slams Man Utd star for ‘sleeping’ in first-half mauling vs Man City

Lewis Oldham
Keane slams Man Utd

Roy Keane has criticised Man Utd star Christian Eriksen after the midfielder was caught “sleeping” during the first-half of the Manchester derby.

United went into Sunday’s derby at the Etihad after winning four straight games in the Premier League.


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But they were torn to pieces by Man City in the opening half on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side were in control from the opening whistle and Phil Foden fired the hosts ahead inside the first ten minutes.

Man Utd managed to keep the score at 1-0 until Erling Haaland headed the ball home from a corner in the 34th minute.

The prolific striker got his second a few minutes later after he combined with Kevin De Bruyne.

Haaland turned provider just before the interval as he set up Foden for his second goal to add to what was a sensational start from City.

Unsurprisingly, Keane was unhappy with what he saw from United. When discussing the opening goal, the club legend accused Eriksen of “sleeping”:

“I’m shocked at how poor United have been. City have been excellent,” Keane told Sky Sports.

“But the way the game starts, there’s no aggression, you’ve got to close people down. You can’t give Man City time and space like this with their quality.

“Eriksen is sleeping, Foden comes in off the back of him [for a] one-touch finish. Eriksen just switches off, the worst start ever for United.”

On the fourth goal, Keane added: “Eriksen there, you’ve got to foul [De Bruyne], make the sacrifice. United are all over the place.

“Space there for Haaland and the finish from Foden. Brilliant from Man City. Absolutely brilliant. If we needed a reminder about how good City are; we’re getting it.

“But United, oh my God, it’s like the game is too big for them. The occasion has almost got to Man Utd. I almost can’t believe what I’m watching.”

Keane went onto suggest that United have made it “easy” for City, as Scott McTominay and Eriksen are “getting pulled everywhere”:

“Maybe a lack of belief, okay we gave United some plaudits before the match. There are question marks about who Man City have missing, but it’s been easy for them.

“On top of all that, as poor as United have been defensively, their passing has been sloppy. There are gaps everywhere. McTominay and Eriksen are getting pulled everywhere. Decision-making, and it could get a lot worse.

“A huge job for the manager at half-time, do you sit back and take your medicine or have a go because you are Man Utd. You are a huge club, you can’t be too embarrassed.

“I can’t believe how bad United have been, they’ve been better the last four games and we’re thinking today about the counter-attack. It’s not about the counter-attack now; it’s about pride and personality. They are not showing it.”