Roy Keane thinks that Jonny Evans coming on for Manchester United against Arsenal is sign of ‘massive problems’ at the club.
United headed down to North London on Sunday afternoon as Erik ten Hag took on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Fans were hoping for another famous away win over the Gunners when Marcus Rashford fired United in front.
United quickly conceded to Martin Odegaard though, and ended up losing with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scoring in injury-time.
A few key moments seemed; a tight offside for an Alejandro Garnacho goal, a potential penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, a possible foul as Rice scored.
It just wasn’t to be for United and the inquest has now started after another away defeat in a big game.
Roy Keane comments on Jonny Evans appearance
United ended the game with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans at centre back, a situation fans could probably barely believe if you told them just a few months ago.
Maguire seemed destined to leave United whilst veteran Evans was released by Leicester City after their relegation.
Here they were though, rekindling a partnership from their days at Leicester City as United dealt with injury problems.
MORE UNITED STORIES
United were picked off late on, conceding from a set piece and a counter-attack give Arsenal that 3-1 victory.
Pundit and former United captain Roy Keane spoke to Sky Sports after the game and highlighted ‘massive problems’ at the club – such as Evans coming on.
Keane highlighted that United sold Evans to West Bromwich Albion in 2015 having felt that he wasn’t good enough.
Yet eight years on, Evans is featuring for United in a huge game at the age of 35, with Keane baffled even though he’s a ‘good lad’.
“I think the manager will be pleased with the performance, but if you look at the bigger picture, I still think there’s massive problems at the club,” said Keane. “You look at the defence at the end of the game, I know there was injuries but there’s lads coming on… Maguire, they’re trying to move Maguire on, Jonny Evans… I like Jonny, Jonny is a good lad but he left Manchester United seven, eight years ago because they didn’t think he was good enough, he’s coming on today! They’re really stretched with the injuries,” he added.
Manchester United’s injury list examined
Evans won’t have been expecting this kind of role but United are struggling for bodies at the back.
Raphael Varane came off against Nottingham Forest and isn’t expected to return until a few weeks after the international break.
Both Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez went off against United, prompting the introduction of Maguire and Evans.
Lindelof was ill and Martinez’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious, so they should be ready to go after the international break.
Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo remain out whilst Scott McTominay was out ill against Arsenal.
That’s a long list of absentees just weeks into the new season and Keane is clearly concerned about the situation.