Roy Keane accuses Manchester United of taking shortcuts in the transfer market

Roy Keane

In a recent interview former Manchester United captain and mid-fielder Roy Keane has accused Manchester United for taking short-cuts and for saving money in the Transfer market.

Manchester United signed Spanish mid-fielder Juan Mata from Chelsea for a club record fee of £37m, but since his arrival it’s very much clear that United don’t need just a few signings, they need to spend big in the transfer market to halt the decline which the Champions are currently in, as they see themselves languishing in the 7th position, 9 points off a Champions League spot.

Ever since the infamous Glazers take-over in the May of 2005, Manchester United have spent over £696m on interest fees, bank charges and debt repayment, while around half of that amount £382m has been spent on players.

Keane said: “They’ve kind of cut corners in terms of transfers in the last few years, they’ve not gone out and got the big players, and it’s just caught up with them this year.”

United face Greek champions Olympiakos in the round of 16 of Champions League, which they will be desperate to overcome, while they face an almost impossible target of qualifying for the Champions League for next season by virtue of League standings.

Keane although thinks that with the addition of around 5 or 6 players in the summer, United will be ready to compete once again.

“I think Man United need five or six players. If it happens in the summer then instead of being fearful of it, embrace it – it’s exciting. These can be exciting times for Man United. Get them back to the very top where they belong.”

The former Manchester United captain added: “There’s always something to play for. You’ve always got to win your next football match so if you’re telling me in January that your season is over, or when the Champions League starts, that’s nonsense.

“You’re playing for pride, you’re playing for points, and United, if they do go out of the Champions League, still want to get in it next year.

“I think beating Olympiacos will be the priority. On form at this moment in time you have to say the Champions League is a long way off for Manchester United. But lots will change over the next few months. I think United will beat Olympiacos,” Keane said.

“They’ll have Rooney, Van Persie back after injuries. At this moment in time, would I fancy United for the Champions League? Probably not. But they’re still a threat, they’re still there. Big team, big players and in a couple of months’ time when the big players are back up to speed with their fitness United will be a dangerous team.

“Watching United more closely perhaps than other people, you still think the Van Persies and the Rooneys if they’re at it, will be a threat to the competition. I still think United can be dangerous if they get their act together over the next month or two.”

Keane is also of the opinion that Moyes needs to be given time to give shape to the squad which he sees as the future of Manchester United.

“I think the man deserves plenty of time. I think people have been afraid to use the word that there might be ‘rebuilding’ going on but that’s exactly the word I would use.”