Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has broken down a critical issue facing Michael Carrick at Old Trafford after the Red Devils’ encounter with Manchester City.
The Red Devils languish in 13th place in the Premier League table after Manchester United fell to their second defeat from their opening four league matches.
Michael Carrick’s men welcomed Enzo Maresca’s men to Old Trafford and Manchester City were reduced to 10 men against the Red Devils in the first half.
Despite Phil Foden’s sending off on Sunday, City beat United 1-0 in the Premier League clash after Erling Haaland scored a controversial winner in the second half.
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Roy Keane talks to camera before the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Andorra at Villa Park on September 06, 2025, in Birmingham, England.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Roy Keane compares Man Utd’s defensive problems with Arsenal’s strong defence in the Premier League
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will have to return to the drawing board for the Red Devils after the setback in the first Manchester derby of the season.
The Red Devils have netted seven times across their opening four Premier League matches, but United have also conceded on seven occasions under Carrick.
Defending Premier League champions Arsenal are top of the table after their first four league fixtures and the Gunners have only conceded once this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Roy Keane insisted that Carrick and his United coaching staff must find a way to mirror Arsenal in a bid to solve their defensive issues.
“And we can talk all about what they done last season, [but] it’s a new season and they’ve started poorly,” he said.
“And they’ve got to fix these issues: him and his staff, particularly defensively. The great example at the moment, of course, is Arsenal because they’re so good.
“The chances they give up and obviously the clean sheets that they have.”
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Roy Keane says Man Utd’s attacking threat is not enough to offset the weakness of their defence
United kept their first — and only — clean sheet in the 2026-27 campaign on Thursday evening after the Red Devils’ 4-0 thumping of Sabah at Old Trafford.
Keane insisted that the Red Devils cannot compensate for their defensive frailties by simply trying to outscore their opponents in every match this season.
“That’s got to be their aim and as long as they keep giving up goals here — they suffered here today, but I’m on about the previous games — it’s gonna hold you back,” he added.
“You can be brilliant all you want going forward, but if you’re giving up one or two goals a game, even as good as they are going forward, it is going to be a constant problem for you. Of course it is.”
Following United’s 1-0 defeat to 10-man Man City, the Red Devils will host Brighton for their third-round Carabao Cup clash at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.