Former Manchester United Skipper Roy Keane Takes A Dig At The Club’s Transfer Target

Former Manchester United skipper and club legend Roy Keane has brutally slammed young West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who happens to be one of the primary long-term targets of his former club. 

The former Red Devils skipper turned TV pundit, worked alongside Rice in the Ireland set up before the youngster controversially switched his allegiance to England.

England thrashed Kosovo 4-0 in their European Championship qualifier last month, with Rice starting the game. Despite England comfortably winning the game, Keane did not look particularly impressed with the 20-year-old.

The midfielder is one of eight men Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to sign to bring long-term success to the club. Manchester United chiefs were said to be ready to back Solskjaer by pushing a deal for the 20-year-old Rice, valued at a whooping £80m.

However, they could have second thoughts especially after the comments of the former skipper of their team that used to dominate the country with ease. Keane said: "Where he needs to improve? There are plenty of aspects when you think about him.”

"Over the last few months, he has had a lot of praise. I have looked at him pretty closely. I have worked with him, obviously when he was in the Irish squad.”

"Where he needs to improve? Where do you want me to start? His positional play. I do not think he has been consistent enough. He does not stay with runners. He is sloppy in possession. I can go on.”

"He is one of these players, I think a couple of months ago everyone was enjoying him and loving him.  But he is one of these players who has played his way out of the team because he has not been consistent at West Ham.”

"He has got another opportunity and I think it is a position in the England team where Gareth (Southgate) is obviously not sure who is going to do that job in there.  He obviously plays regularly for West Ham so it is an opportunity for him but he has got to take it."

Manchester United are in desperate need for additions in the middle of the park, as they failed to replace either Ander Herrera or Marouane Fellaini. 

The duo left the club in the space of six months. Their summer signings were central defender Harry Maguire, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and young winger Daniel James. 

Rice is seen as the player who could play at the base of the midfield for many years to come and the club are happy to wait for him till next summer.

The player, however, has spoken about his commitment to West Ham. He said: "I signed a five year contract with West Ham last year, which will keep me at the club till I am 24, and for me this is the best place to be right now.”

Cover image credits: talkSport