One might say Roy Keane went to town on Man United today while others will no doubt argument that he was actually making some measured, and even reserved, comments.
Keane was speaking at the launch of ITV's World Cup coverage and heavily criticised Ed Woodward's role in Man United's terrible season and the ultimate demise of David Moyes. However, the Ireland assistant manager saved his harshest words for Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
On Jones and Smalling, The Guardian report that Keane said:
They've had a platform for the last couple of years.
We were told two or three years ago Jones was going to be the new Duncan Edwards, Smalling was this … I've watched United live nine, 10 times this year and they have been none of those things. If anything I think they have gone backwards. I've actually been a big fan of them – yes, give them a chance, you say you have to give players a chance to mature but also you've got players who you say we've given you a chance and you're not taking it.
Keane added that Jones needs to become a more hardened character:
They need to do a lot better if they want to cement their place at Man United and United to win trophies. Jones needs to toughen up. Every time I see him he is getting carried off. He's got to toughen up – he's playing for Man United.
Speaking about the decision to sack Moyes, he said:
He [Moyes] had one transfer window, and it's not always down to the manager when players don't come in.
I think Ed Woodward needs to look at himself. He's got to get deals done. I think he should have been given more time. I was happy with David Moyes. I think Van Gaal is a good choice. Only time will tell. He's managed big clubs.
Keane spoke about Rio Ferdinand's low key departure from the club; saying that perhaps that's what he would have wanted. Although he did add, in typical Roy dry wit fashion, 'He didn't have a chance to say goodbye? You can say goodbye on Twitter, can't you?'
Read the full interview on The Guardian here.
