Roy Keane has never been one to hold back, but he was particularly upset with how Manchester United warmed up against Manchester City
Man Utd player warm-up before man city
Manchester United's warm-up has not left Roy Keane convinced(Image: Sky Sports)
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Roy Keane was left furious after watching Manchester United's back four warm-up by defending uncontested long balls before the derby against Manchester City. Michael Carrick chose to deploy Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Dorgu in his back-line against the Cityzens.
Before the match, the quartet were seen warming up together, defending balls lofted into them and low passes that were sent into their feet. It's a typical warm-up before a Premier League clash, particularly amongst defensive units.
However, despite this, Keane evidently did not believe they were spending their time wisely. He lashed out at what they were doing as his fellow pundits did their best not to laugh.
When they focussed on the United defenders going through their routines, Keane sarcastically said: "I love these drills here. It tickles me this."
Only time will tell if their warm-up was time well spent. Ahead of that back four, Carrick partnered Kobbie Mainoo with Youri Tielemans again, and placed them behind an attacking quartet of Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha.
One notable absentee was Luke Shaw, who did not miss a single Premier League match last season. Carrick stated the England international had not recovered from his knock in time to face City.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United heads back to the changing rooms before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England
Maguire and his team-mates will need to hope their display impresses Keane more than their warm-up(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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When asked by Sky Sports how close the ex-Southampton ace was from featuring, Carrick replied: "Close, very close, just not quite there. It's very small but unfortunately not for today.
"Pat's (Dorgu) a good player, he's played there before. Fully trust in Pat, he played very well in midweek. Slightly different game today but we fully trust him. It's always about your team-mates helping each other and we will look for that today.”
Before the game, Keane, ironically, spoke positively about United. When asked if the gap between City and United is bridging, the former skipper said: "I still think you look at City with the squad they have, you think City have a stronger group.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, arrives at the stadium before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Carrick took charge of his first Manchester derby as permanent manager(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
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"This is going to be interesting over the next few months with Pep (Guardiola) and people like Rodri leaving, who played a huge part in City's success.
"United should be encouraged a little bit if they are going to get a bit closer to City. Hopefully they can do that starting today."
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