Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has today taken aim at Jose Mourinho for his utilisation of Ashley Young, after the Red Devils fell to their second consecutive away defeat in the Premier League last weekend.
Struggles
United travelled to St. James’ Park to take on a struggling Newcastle side on Sunday afternoon, with Mourinho’s men having bounced back from a disappointing showing during a 2-0 loss away to Tottenham 10 days prior with a comfortable victory at home to Huddersfield.
However, the Manchester giants saw their away day troubles continue on Tyneside, as Matt Ritchie’s second-half strike proved the difference between the sides after 90 minutes.
Concerning
Following the clash, Jose Mourinho was critical of the role played by his side’s defenders in the lead-up to Newcastle’s winner, with the hosts’ goal having come after a lofted free-kick from near the halfway-line was flicked on twice inside the Red Devils’ box, before the unmarked Ritchie was afforded far too much room to slam a perfect finish past the helpless David De Gea.
Defensive problems ‘will continue’
And, despite United currently holding the best defensive record in the Premier League, another to have taken issue with the defending on show from Mourinho’s men at the weekend was former midfielder and Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
Speaking in an interview on ITV, Keane took aim at Jose Mourinho for his insistence on employing Ashley Young as a full-back, as well as singling out Phil Jones and Chris Smalling for criticism:
‘They haven’t sorted out the defensive problems they have had over the last few years and that will continue.’
‘The two centre-halves need to do better. I’ve always thought with Ashley Young in your back four, you are going to struggle.’