Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane launched a stinging attack on midfielder Mason Mount, describing his performance as that of a "schoolboy" following the Red Devils' disappointing 1-1 draw with West Ham United at Old Trafford.
Keane's Scathing Post-Match Analysis
The Sky Sports pundit did not hold back in his criticism after watching Ruben Amorim's side squander the lead and two more vital Premier League points on Thursday night, December 4, 2025. The result came just days after a dismal 1-0 defeat to Everton.
Diogo Dalot had given the hosts the lead just before the hour mark, but Soungoutou Magassa's 83rd-minute header from a corner secured a late equaliser for the Hammers. Keane's ire was particularly directed at the quality of United's substitutions as they chased the game.
'They Brought the Levels Down'
"When you look at the squad, considering the money that has been spent, they lack strength in depth. Particularly in the attacking areas," Keane stated. He then turned his focus specifically to England international Mason Mount, who replaced Matheus Cunha in the second half.
"When you are trying to see a game off, I look at Mason Mount when he came on," Keane told Sky Sports. "Some players take longer to get up to speed but he was like a schoolboy out there. You're looking for players to come on with presence. If anything they brought the levels down at United. That seemed to be the case tonight."
Keane also questioned the mentality of the entire squad, expressing a profound lack of trust in their ability to secure results. "I wouldn't trust or believe in this team that they can get results," he said bluntly.
Missed Opportunity Amidst Rival Stumbles
The draw represented another significant missed opportunity for Manchester United. With rivals around them dropping points in the midweek fixtures, a victory would have moved them into fifth place in the table.
Keane highlighted the team's ongoing struggles in key moments, referencing their failure to beat a ten-man Everton side the previous week. "The reason you are playing for Man Utd is that you deal with these situations," he argued. "If you can't deal with being one up against a team in the bottom three, how can you deal with being a team at the top of the table?"
The legendary former midfielder concluded with a damning assessment of the players' apparent anxiety. "If they are anxious, you worry why they are playing for Man Utd and what they are fearful of. Fearful of West Ham, why?"
