He’s lost his spark – body language all wrong. You should have sold him when you had the chance. Bench him or lose the fans!” – This is according to Roy Keane as he rips into a £80 million player after “underwhelming” display vs. Everton.

In the wake of Manchester United’s recent 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park, football pundit Roy Keane has delivered a scathing critique of the team’s performance, particularly singling out an £80 million signing for an “underwhelming” display. Keane’s comments have ignited discussions about the player’s form and the broader challenges facing the club this season.

Keane’s Unfiltered Critique

Known for his candid assessments, Keane did not hold back in his post-match analysis. He remarked, “He’s lost his spark – body language all wrong. You should have sold him when you had the chance. Bench him or lose the fans!” While Keane did not explicitly name the player, context suggests his criticism was directed towards Rasmus Højlund, the Danish striker acquired for £72 million from Atalanta in 2023.

Højlund’s Struggles

Højlund’s tenure at Manchester United has been fraught with challenges. In the current Premier League season, he has managed only two goals in 21 appearances, with no assists to his name. This lackluster performance has not gone unnoticed; reports indicate that the coaching staff’s patience is wearing thin. One coach was reportedly “fuming” after Højlund’s performance in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham earlier in February. The frustration reached a point where, during the Everton match, Højlund was substituted in the 70th minute, a decision met with cheers from the away supporters. Notably, after his substitution, United managed to overturn a two-goal deficit, salvaging a point from the encounter.

Comparisons and Controversies

Adding to the scrutiny, comparisons have been drawn between Højlund and former United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Sold to West Ham for £15 million, Wan-Bissaka has recorded two goals and two assists this season, surpassing Højlund’s contributions despite playing in a defensive position. These statistics have fueled debates about the efficacy of United’s transfer strategies and player utilization.

Managerial Perspective

Head coach Rúben Amorim has addressed the team’s offensive struggles, suggesting that the issue is collective rather than solely Højlund’s responsibility. He stated, “I think it’s a team problem. You can see it. It’s not just from now; it’s from the past. So we have clearly a lack of goals and a lack of threat.” Amorim’s comments highlight systemic issues within the squad that transcend individual performances.

Fan Sentiment and Future Implications

The discontent among fans is palpable, with many echoing Keane’s sentiments. The call to bench underperforming players reflects a broader desire for accountability and change. As Manchester United navigates a challenging season, decisions regarding player selection and tactical adjustments will be crucial in restoring both performance levels and fan trust.

Conclusion

Roy Keane’s pointed critique serves as a stark reminder of the high expectations at Manchester United. As the club contends with underperformance and mounting pressure, the onus is on both the players and the management to address these challenges head-on. The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the season and the futures of tho

se under the spotlight.
In the aftermath of Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on February 22, 2025, discussions have emerged regarding the performance of striker Rasmus Højlund. While there is no recent evidence of pundit Roy Keane criticizing Højlund following this specific match, Keane has previously expressed concerns about the Danish forward’s form. In January 2024, after an FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic, Keane advised Højlund to “stop messing about” following a goalless performance.

During the recent Everton match, Manchester United faced a challenging first half, falling behind 2-0 with goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure. However, a second-half resurgence saw Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte score, securing a draw for the Red Devils. Notably, a controversial VAR decision in injury time overturned an Everton penalty, adding to the match’s drama.

Højlund’s tenure at Manchester United has seen moments of scrutiny, particularly regarding his goal-scoring consistency. In the current Premier League season, he has managed only two goals in 21 appearances, with no assists. Comparisons have been drawn between Højlund and former United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who, after transferring to West Ham, has recorded two goals and two assists this season, surpassing Højlund’s contributions despite playing in a defensive position.

Manager Rúben Amorim has addressed the team’s offensive struggles, suggesting that the issue is collective rather than solely Højlund’s responsibility. He stated, “I think it’s a team problem. You can see it. It’s not just from now; it’s from the past. So we have clearly a lack of goals and a lack of threat.”

As Manchester United navigates a challenging season, the focus remains on improving overall team performance and addressing offensive inefficiencies. The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the season and the futures of those under the spotlight.