Roy Keane Questions Manchester United's Midfield Strength for Title Contention
Roy Keane doubts Manchester United’s revamped midfield is enough to turn them back into title contenders – and he’s even more worried about what’s behind it.
Speaking on Stick to Football, the former United captain accepted that the club have finally built some depth in the middle of the pitch, with new arrivals set to join rising star Kobbie Mainoo, who shone under Michael Carrick last season. Depth, though, is not dominance.
“I think that’s a good way of putting it, a good midfield,” Keane said when asked about the impact of a potential deal for Carlos Baleba. “But if you’re on about winning the league, I think it’s short.”
Keane pointed to last season’s attacking output as evidence that United already carry serious threat going forward, particularly after Carrick stepped in.
“That midfield and going forward, there is a big goal threat at United, they were very good last year with it, especially when Carrick took over they were a real goal threat.”
Defence still the “big issue”
Keane didn’t sugar-coat his view of United’s back line. While others debate the balance of the midfield, he believes the defence remains the barrier between this squad and a genuine title push.
“The issue is at the back, the full-backs and the two centre-halves are still a big issue,” he said.
On paper, he accepts, the midfield options look impressive. Names, reputations, profiles – they all stack up. But when the conversation turns to winning the Premier League, his verdict is blunt.
“On paper, they [the midfield] jump out as really good players. But is there a league-winning midfield there? Probably not. No, I don’t see it.”
Tielemans praised – but with limits
One of the headline additions is Youri Tielemans, signed for £35 million. Keane welcomed the structure of the deal, noting that United have avoided the kind of huge wage packages that defined moves like Casemiro’s.
“Tielemans is a safety bet for United,” he said. “Over the last few years, Casemiro is a good example, players have come in huge money, big wages.”
Keane sees sense in the profile: a proven Premier League midfielder, an established international, and someone who has already gone to Old Trafford with Aston Villa and handled the occasion.
“Tielemans knows the Premier League, is a good international, having gone to Old Trafford with Vila and had success he will be fine with the expectation.”
That, though, is where his optimism stops.
“But will he get United to the very top? No.”
For Keane, United have moved from fragile to functional in midfield. The question that hangs over the new season is whether “good” in the middle and “big issues” at the back can ever be enough for a club that still talks about winning the league.
