Roy Keane has never been known to hold back, and the Manchester United legend has once again delivered a brutal assessment of a current player following another disappointing performance.
This time, Keane’s target was Manuel Ugarte.
Speaking after the match, Keane did not mince his words about the Uruguayan midfielder.
Keane’s Verdict: “That’s Not a Good Stat”
“Ugarte has to go,” Keane declared.
“Man United have never won a game where he has started, that’s not a good stat. Kobbie Mainoo wasn’t there today, and we were 2-0 down at half-time. That is completely unacceptable.”
Keane’s comments came after another match where United failed to control the midfield. Without Mainoo, the side lacked a crucial connection, and Keane believes Ugarte is to blame.
“Ugarte is not good enough to play for Manchester United,” the Irish legend added.
Another Chance Wasted?
For United fans, Keane’s words echo a familiar sense of frustration. Ugarte was given an opportunity to prove himself, but he failed to seize it.
As one fan commented, “He finally gets a chance, but he really let the fans down, didn’t he, Ugarte?”
The sentiment captures the disappointment of many United supporters. Ugarte arrived with high expectations, but his performances on the pitch have yet to convince.
The Bigger Issue: Midfield Instability
Keane’s criticism highlights a larger issue for Manchester United this season: a lack of stability in midfield.
When Mainoo plays, the team looks more organized, composed, and capable of controlling the game’s tempo. When he is absent, the midfield appears vulnerable and directionless.
Ugarte was expected to be the player to fill that void, but Keane believes he has failed to meet the standard.
The Stat: A Worrying Trend
The statistic Keane mentioned—that United have never won a game with Ugarte in the starting lineup—is genuinely concerning. Whether it is a coincidence or a sign of a deeper problem, it is difficult to ignore.
For a player brought in to shore up the midfield, that record suggests the opposite.
The Verdict: An Uncertain Future
Whether Ugarte will leave as Keane suggests remains to be seen. He still has time to turn things around and prove his worth.
But for now, the harsh criticism from a legend like Roy Keane will linger. And with fans also feeling the frustration, the pressure on Manuel Ugarte will only grow.
He needs to find his form quickly. Otherwise, questions about his future at Old Trafford will become very real.