Roy Keane isn't always full of positivity when it comes to his former club, Manchester United. However, the ex-captain had the best interests of the Red Devils at heart when he suggested two top signings in 2023.
While the two superstars Keane urged his old club to sign have only gone on to greater heights, the now 54-year-old was quick to voice his concerns at a signing the club did actually go on to make. Had they listened to Keane's advice, things might be looking very different at Old Trafford right now.
Of course, that's a lot easier said than done. In 2026, the two players are worth a combined £160 million (per Transfermarkt), proving just how good they are.
Roy Keane Urged Man Utd to Sign England Duo
roy keane
When asked which team he thought could challenge reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the upcoming season, Keane claimed he hoped United would be the answer.
However, he did point out some business they had to do for that to become a reality (per The Sun): "They have to get a world-class striker but it’s going to be difficult because City are brilliant with a great, great manager.
He then name-checked two England stars, who were being chased by some of the biggest clubs in world football. Keane claimed Harry Kane and Declan Rice should've been at the top of the club's wishlist:
"They’re going to be linked with lots of players but the one that would excite you really is [Harry] Kane.
"I think Rice would, he would be a decent signing but in terms of the excitement and goalscoring, they’ve got to go for Kane but can you see Spurs selling to United? Very, very difficult."
Kane went on to join Bayern Munich and has broken many goalscoring records in Germany, while United have struggled to find a consistent number nine. Rice, on the other hand, went to Arsenal for over £100 million and has already justified that hefty price tag by making the Gunners Premier League champions in waiting.
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United Were Warned Against Mason Mount Signing
Mason Mount in action for Manchester United
One deal Man United actually did complete in the summer of 2023 was the £60 million transfer of midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea. There had already been speculation surrounding the future of the Three Lions international, but Keane wasn't overly convinced.
"I wouldn’t be so sure about Mount," he said before going on to add: "He’s just gone off the boil a little bit. I know he can bounce back and he’s got qualities and I was raving about him a few years ago.
"He’s just gone missing the last year or two, had one or two injuries, the fact he can’t get in a bad Chelsea team.
"I wouldn’t be hanging my hat too much on him in terms of improving United and closing the gap, I think he’s a good player but would he improve United? I’m not so sure."
In the two-and-a-half years he's spent at Old Trafford so far, Mount has only managed seven goals and two assists in 65 appearances. While he has had several injury problems since his transfer, Keane has so far been proven right by his caution around the inconsistent Englishman.
Statistics and transfer fees in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 15-01-26.