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As poor as any team in the Premier League - Roy Keane on Manchester United's defending

Roy Keane believes there isn't a team in the league who are worse than Manchester United when they don't have the ball.



Roy Keane was in studio for Sky Sports as Manchester United fell behind 2-0 to Brighton at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag's honeymoon period is over and it never really began.

Manchester United enjoyed 80% of possession for a stretch during the first half against Brighton, but the possession didn't go anywhere. Bruno Fernandes slashed a ball high over the bar while Diogo Dalot and Fred gave the ball away to give Brighton chances from nowhere.

Eventually, Manchester United's back four and midfield were pulled apart by Brighton for Pascal Gross to score two tap-ins at either post.

Roy Keane was disgusted with what he watched.

"First of all, Brighton have been excellent," Keane said.

"Let's give them credit. Man United look very, very fragile. The same problems [from last year], you question the personalities in the team. And the big problem for Man United is out of possession they look so open. They started okay, they had a great chance. Fernandes has got to hit the target.

"But after that...Man United gaps everywhere, so open it's untrue."

It's not a surprise because this is how Manchester United played last season. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are a new central defence pairing, so it's not a surprise they are disorganized. What's more concerning for United fans is that both center backs were being outplayed by Danny Welbeck individually too.

Keane condemned the performance. He went as far to say Manchester United are the worst team in the league without the ball.

"We shouldn't be that surprised because we talked about the changes in the team and the personality of the new manager. And of course he will need time. But I go back to the personalities in the team, the two in the middle of the park are all over the place. We see for the goals, gaps everywhere.

"Eriksen, Fernandes out of possession, Manchester United are as poor as any team in the Premier League.

"I know it's early doors but I'm going back to the habits they had last year. It's well-and-good when you're in possession, but it's when you're out of it it's too open."

There's no evidence to argue his point. Keane isn't one for pulling his punches, but even in this scenario he didn't go as hard as he could have.

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Erik Ten Hag Fred Harry Maguire Manchester United Roy Keane Scott Mctominay