Roy Keane believes that clubs no longer fear going to Old Trafford and that is harming Manchester United’s chances this season.
United are in seventh place as they struggle under Erik ten Hag in the Dutchman’s second season, and have let Jadon Sancho leave to join Borussia Dortmund on loan. Sergio Reguilon has also departed after ending his loan spell from Tottenham.
However, there seems little chance of them bringing in a big name to help Ten Hag, and Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it once was.
Speaking to the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane said: “They [Manchester United] don’t really play as a team. I don't know if they are [the players] just taking on the manager’s ideas. When you look at Manchester United, we say it every week, you don’t know what you are going to get.
“I watched their game last week against Wigan Athletic and you’re thinking, they’ll certainly dominate Wigan and score four, five goals and even then, they had to get a penalty to get over the line. They weren’t great in possession.
“The other night, against Spurs, you look at the second goal, just one or two passes and it was a goal. It’s as if they are not athletic enough – and I think there’s obviously an element of fear from the team, they go, we are better sitting in. And there is nothing wrong with sitting in if you are doing brilliant going forward, but they are not scoring the goals to back that up.
“They are stuck between a rock and a hard place because again, you are Manchester United, the onus is even when you’re at home, flex your muscles, and more importantly put fear in their opponents' mindsets, but teams are playing Manchester United now and there is no fear anymore. I think teams are going to Old Trafford now and enjoying it!”
Live on DAZN : Watch Ed Matthews take on a mystery opponent for MF & DAZN X Series 12 on Saturday, January 20