Roy Keane Blasts ‘player’ Era – Claims midfielder Tarnished McTominay’s Man Utd Career!
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has reignited debate over United’s midfield struggles by claiming Scott McTominay’s career at Old Trafford was “tarnished” by Fred, his former midfield partner.
Speaking on The Overlap, Keane didn’t hold back:
> “What didn’t help Scott was it was him and Fred together. It just wasn’t a good combo… McFred wasn’t it.”
Keane suggested McTominay had potential that was overshadowed by a dysfunctional midfield setup under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, with Fred — now at Fenerbahçe — dragging down the Scotsman’s performances and reputation. Keane acknowledged McTominay’s improvement, pointing out his 11 goals and 4 assists for Serie A leaders Napoli, but stopped short of saying United made a mistake letting him go.
> “You can’t keep everyone… I think McTominay could have been in the group, 100%. But playing every week? United haven’t brought in better, and that’s the issue.”
McTominay, for his part, has embraced Napoli, calling it the “place I love” and declaring he has “no regrets” about the move.
As United’s midfield continues to struggle and Napoli soar, Keane’s comments may ignite further criticism of the club’s past recruitment strategy — and rekindle questions over whether “McFred” was ever more than a misgu
ided patchwork.
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**Roy Keane Blames “McFred” Partnership for Tarnishing Scott McTominay’s Manchester United Career**
*By \[Your Name], Football Correspondent*
Former Manchester United captain **Roy Keane** has sparked fresh debate around the club’s long-standing midfield woes, suggesting that **Scott McTominay’s** career at Old Trafford was **“tarnished”** by his former midfield partner **Fred**.
Speaking on *The Overlap*, Keane was blunt in his assessment:
> “What didn’t help Scott was it was him and Fred together. It just wasn’t a good combo… McFred wasn’t it.”
The “McFred” partnership—once a staple of **Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s** midfield—has often been a target of fan frustration. According to Keane, the pairing lacked the tactical balance and individual quality needed at the highest level, ultimately damaging McTominay’s standing at the club.
Now flourishing at **Serie A leaders Napoli**, McTominay has found a new lease on life, notching **11 goals and 4 assists** in a more advanced role under manager Francesco Calzona. Keane acknowledged the 27-year-old’s growth but stopped short of suggesting Manchester United were wrong to let him go:
> “You can’t keep everyone… I think McTominay could have been in the group, 100%. But playing every week? United haven’t brought in better, and that’s the issue.”
McTominay, who joined Napoli last summer, has expressed his happiness in Italy, calling the club the “place I love” and insisting he has **“no regrets”** over his decision to leave Manchester.
### **A Reflection on United’s Recruitment and Midfield Decline**
Keane’s remarks come at a time when United’s current midfield remains in flux. With **Casemiro** struggling, **Sofyan Amrabat** yet to convince, and **Mason Mount** battling injuries, questions around the club’s recruitment and squad balance continue to mount.
The resurrection of McTominay’s career abroad, combined with Fred’s steady role at **Fenerbahçe**, now casts a harsher light on United’s past tactical setups and transfer priorities. Keane’s criticism may not only revive scrutiny of the “McFred” era but also rekindle broader concerns over the **lack of a long-term midfield strategy** at Old Trafford.
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