Manchester United lacked quality and creativity in Southampton draw, insists Roy Keane… as club legend claims there are ‘question marks’ over midfield starters Fred and Nemanja Matic
Roy Keane insisted Manchester United lacked quality and creativity as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton, with the pundit questioning the contribution of their midfielders.
United had to come from behind to earn a point, with Mason Greenwood’s strike in the 55th minute cancelling out the Saints’ opener – which came via a Fred own goal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were on top after their equaliser but the hosts came back into the game and had the better chances to win the game, with Adam Armstrong denied by David de Gea after being through 1v1.
Roy Keane insisted Manchester United lacked quality and creativity as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton
Keane said there were question marks over United’s midfield starters with Fred (left) and Nemanja Matic playing behind Bruno Fernandes
United started with Fred and Nemanja Matic behind Bruno Fernandes but found it difficult to create more openings as the second half wore on.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Keane said United needed more of a spark.
‘There was certainly one or two question marks,’ Keane said of United’s performance.
‘I go back to the lads in the middle of the park, not enough creativity, not enough quality. United will be disappointed with a draw but Southampton deserve credit.’
At half-time, Keane had criticised Fred for failing to prevent Southampton’s goal.
United were unable to find a winner after getting back on level terms in the second half
He said: ‘Fred and Maguire have to do more when someone comes into your area.
‘Fred, you’ve got to be ready to nail him and he just dangles a leg. He’s unlucky with the deflection but he’s got to do more, he’s got to do better than that.’
United felt they should have had a free-kick in the build-up to the goal, with Jack Stephens winning the ball back from Bruno Fernandes.
Graeme Souness and Keane disagreed on whether referee Craig Pawson should have given a free-kick.
Keane said: ‘I don’t think it’s a foul because I think Fernandes should get his body across. I don’t think it’s a foul, I really don’t.’
Bruno Fernandes was adamant he should have had a free-kick in the build up to the Saints’ goal
However, Souness saw things differently. He said: ‘I want the referee to not blow his whistle as much as possible but I think the ball comes across him, it’s his (Stephens’) right thigh against the left thigh of Fernandes, he’s looking to go down anyway but I think that’s a foul.’
Sol Campbell was in agreement with Keane and inisisted Fernandes should have done more to get his body across Stephens.
‘No foul for me, he steps across. I understand it was a little bit violent but he steps across. If Fernandes gets his body in the way then it’s stonewall.’
