Connect with us

Football

Roy Keane says Scott McTominay was ‘tarnished’ by £47m Man Utd signing

Published

on

Roy Keane believes Scott McTominay’s time at Manchester United was negatively impacted by his midfield partnership with Fred.

Despite making over 250 appearances for his boyhood club, McTominay was sold to Napoli last summer for £25 million, a move partly influenced by financial fair play regulations.

McTominay was a regular presence at Old Trafford for five seasons, consistently playing more than 35 games each campaign from 2019 to 2024.

However, this season has seen him flourish in Italy, scoring 12 goals in 34 appearances and becoming a key figure in Napoli’s push for the Serie A title under Antonio Conte. His strong performances have led many to question whether United were too hasty in letting him go.

Roy Keane, the former United captain, doesn’t necessarily agree that selling McTominay was a mistake, but he acknowledges the midfielder’s reputation may have suffered due to his pairing with Fred.

The two formed what was often dubbed the “McFred” partnership, which came under regular scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Keane admitted that while McTominay had promise and attacking ability, the combination with Fred never quite worked, leaving United weak in midfield.

Keane was critical of both players during their time together, often questioning manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s faith in them. Despite this, Keane now concedes that McTominay has taken his game to another level at Napoli, particularly with his improved goal-scoring form.

While McTominay’s success has sparked debate about United’s decision, Keane points out that not every departure warrants regret.

He emphasizes the importance of focusing on building a team capable of returning to the top and highlights the club’s ongoing recruitment problems.

In his view, United have failed to bring in players better than McTominay, which is part of a broader issue with the club’s transfer strategy.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer continues to voice his disapproval of the sale, describing McTominay as a player who consistently gave his all and questioning why United would choose to let him go.

Jaap Stam also expressed regret over the decision, stating McTominay had been an influential figure at the club, even when not a guaranteed starter.

Stam noted that the midfielder’s impact, particularly his goal contribution, made him someone United could have benefited from keeping.

Interestingly, Fred has also been performing well since his departure, now playing for Turkish side Fenerbahce. Both former United midfielders are showing strong form abroad, further highlighting the decisions made by the Old Trafford hierarchy.

In summary, McTominay’s rise at Napoli has reignited discussions about his time at Manchester United, his partnership with Fred, and the club’s decision to move on from both players.

While some argue he should have stayed, others maintain that departures are inevitable in football, especially when better replacements are the goal—a goal United have yet to consistently achieve.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

Published

on

By

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

Continue Reading

Football

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

Published

on

By

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

Continue Reading

Football

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Published

on

By

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 Alpays Media.

News
Live Scores
Live TV
App