Roy Keane has delivered his verdict on the current Manchester squad ahead of their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
United will be hoping to win twice in a week as they take on Spurs, who are a point outside the top four. Prior to the club’s FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic on Monday, Erik ten Hag’s side had won one of their last six in all competitions and the manager will be eager to prove that his team have stopped the rot.
The returns of Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro will also be a boost to United as they seek to bridge the nine-point gap to the Champions League places.
However, United legend Roy Keane insists that the players still have a lot to prove after such an inconsistent start to the season, with Spurs posing a difficult task. READ MORE: 'I knew this could happen' - Erik ten Hag asks for time to end Manchester United slump READ MORE: Tottenham tactic could play into Manchester United's hands “Well I think you always have to be optimistic, have that bit of hope but the proof will be on the pitch today when the referee blows that whistle because they’re up against a tough Spurs side who will come after them,” Keane said on Sky Sports. “United have to be ready, and the players haven’t been consistent enough this season - they’re losing far too many matches, not scoring enough goals and it looks like the pressure is getting to them. “Whatever is in the manager’s programme notes, whatever positivity is in there, I’ll be judging the players from their performances on the pitch instead.” United have lost nine of their 20 league games, leaving the team some way behind where they would have aimed to be.