‘We got two bookings in a derby, I’ve never seen so many hugs and chats after the game. I’m scratching my head’: Roy Keane blasts Manchester United and City for lack of tenacity as two rivals play out tepid stalemate
Former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has questioned how much either side wanted to win after a dull Manchester derby produced no goals on Saturday.
Keane voiced his frustration at seeing opposing players including John Stones and Harry Maguire embracing after the final whistle following the dismal draw in the Premier League.
The United legend told Sky Sports: ‘Today’s game was really poor. Looking at the teams and their quality, they have to show the desire to win a game of football.
Manchester City’s John Stones (right) has annoyed former Manchester United star Roy Keane
The post-match hugs extended to United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and City’s Pep Guardiola
‘We got two bookings in a derby game. I’ve never seen so many hugs and chats after the game.
‘I’m scratching my head. I’m really frustrated because I’m thinking, “you’ve got to try to find a way of winning a game of football.”‘
The fierce rivals each managed only two shots on target in a stalemate that Keane described as lacking in intensity and end product.
The catalyst for many of United’s previous fiery derbies said City centre-back Stones’ post-match remarks about the satisfaction of keeping a clean sheet were setting the bar too low.
Keane said that he was left ‘scratching his head’ by the show of respect between the city rivals
The veteran was a central figure of fiery fixtures between the clubs during his playing career
‘City, as we expected, had loads of possession but were very predictable, passing sideways and backwards,’ he said.
‘You don’t settle for draws. You’ve got to go and win football matches.
‘Liverpool and Spurs are all doing really well and you have to try and hunt these teams down.
Keane suggested that Stones should not have seemed so satisfied with a clean sheet and point
‘At the end of the game the staff are smiling and hugging, the players are chatting to each other.
‘Just get down the tunnel. I don’t get it. Everyone wants to be pals with each other and be popular.
‘You’re playing for these clubs, particularly Man United, to win football matches – not to be mates with everybody.’
The Premier League encounter appeared to be as low on animosity as it was on entertainment
