Roy Keane has been proven right about Manchester United's two biggest problems this season

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has been proven right about two fundamental issues that have heavily impacted his former club's progress this season.

Starting the campaign with the ambition of challenging the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title, United have fallen a long way short of the pre-season expectations. They are currently fourth in the table and their only hope of winning a trophy this term is if they defy the odds and lift the Champions League.

United are currently at the halfway stage of their last-16 showdown with Atletico Madrid with the scoreline level at 1-1. But even if United do progress, they are not expected to venture too deeply into the latter stages of the competition.

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The Reds, despite signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane last summer, have failed to consistently deliver what was expected of them, with results and performances not a fair reflection of the talent at their mercy. However, the lack of a dominant, defensive-minded midfielder has cost United dearly.

The club knew it was an area that needed strengthening last summer and they failed to lure one to Old Trafford. West Ham United ace Declan Rice, however, remains a firm target ahead of this summer.

Nevertheless, former United star Keane spotted that it could be a problem that would hinder the Reds this term. He raised doubts about the lack of quality in midfield after just the second game of the Premier League season, following a 1-1 draw with Southampton.

"There is certainly one or two question marks with the lads in the middle of the park," Keane told Sky Sports.