Roy Keane has infuriated Manchester United fans with his assessment of Benjamin Sesko’s goal. The Slovenian striker scored a superb equaliser in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
Sesko came on in the 69th minute and was on target in the 90+6th minute for the visitors at the London Stadium. His goal ensured Michael Carrick remains unbeaten five games into his role as caretaker manager.
The 22-year-old has encountered a tough start to life at Old Trafford. He arrived from RB Leipzig in a £73.7m deal last summer.
Typical Keane controversy
Sesko has bagged seven goals in 23 games across competitions. He has been playing a super-sub role under Carrick, although many feel he now warrants a start.
Keane wasn’t as impressed by the Slovenian’s exploits and explained why on Stick to Football:
“Nice finish, but sorry – is that what he’s supposed to do? If you know what I mean… Coming off the bench when they’re chasing the game, they score a goal, and everyone’s got these huge United expectations. You’re like Ryanair. If a Ryanair flight’s on time, everyone’s f***ing laughing and joking. But usually you’re going to be two hours late, and then everyone thinks that’s the norm.”
Manchester United’s draw against West Ham ended a four-game winning streak. That included wins over Manchester City (2-0) and Arsenal (3-2).
Without Sesko’s goal, the Reds will have dropped out of the top four, where they sit after 26 games. The quality of the equaliser left most in awe, but its implications on the battle for Champions League football could prove crucial.
Chelsea dropped points against Leeds United on the same night after throwing away a two-nil lead. The Blues drew 2-2 against the Peacocks and remain fifth, a point behind the Red Devils.
Liverpool capitalised on this when they beat Sunderland 1-0 on Wednesday night. Arne Slot’s defending champions moved to within three points of Carrick’s side.
‘Bitter’ Keane called out
Keane’s comments didn’t go unnoticed by fans who hit out at the legendary former Manchester United captain. It’s become the norm for the Sky Sports pundit to give a scornful view of the Red Devils.
The Irishman initially claimed that the club would be making the wrong decision by offering Carrick the job permanently. He suggested that he shouldn’t even be in the conversation if he were to win every single remaining match this season.
Sesko’s goal wasn’t enough to earn praise from Keane, although fans believe he has an agenda. This was the stance given by a member of the Old Trafford faithful:
“Really tired of our legends always picking out negatives . They make a living out of demeaning united and it has come to a point where i cant take it anymore.”
One supporter sensed bitterness from Keane:
“What a bitter bitter man.. Starting to hate Roy Keane with every fibre of my being… Sitting there and bringing down a talented player who’s making most of his opportunities.”
This was echoed by another fan:
“Sad and bitter old man who makes money on United’s misery. And when they don’t lose he attacks the players.”
Keane appears to be losing the admiration of one supporter:
“Shame, sad man used to admire him and loved watching him.”
Another Red added:
“Roy doesn’t seem to get excited about much. He also seems not to be much excited about anything United. His comments are mainly negative and a bit tiresome. Ad nauseam.”
Keane’s uncermonious end to his United career caused a rift between the Irishman and the club. He has been particularly scornful of the Red Devils during his punditry career.
The 54-year-old made 479 appearances at Old Trafford, captaining the team to seven Premier League titles. He is regarded as one of the best captains in the club’s history.
Matthew Guyett is an experienced sports journalist who has over five years of covering European football and the Premier League. He has covered Manchester United as The Red Devil Armada's Site Expert and for GiveMeSport.
