Roy Keane fumes at ‘disgrace’ after Newcastle United stun Manchester United
The memory of Newcastle United’s emphatic 4-1 dismantling of Manchester United at St James’ Park still resonates months later, particularly after Roy Keane’s explosive recent comments branding his former club’s performance as “a disgrace.”
That dominant May afternoon saw Eddie Howe’s absent presence loom large over a masterclass in tactical discipline and clinical finishing, with the Magpies recording their first league double over the Red Devils in 93 years.
Keane’s blistering assessment cuts to the heart of Manchester United’s systemic issues, contrasting sharply with Newcastle’s upward trajectory.
While pundits like Gary Neville and Paul Merson predicted a tight contest, Newcastle systematically dismantled their opponents with a performance that showcased their superior organization, fitness, and killer instinct.
The Irishman’s frustration stems from witnessing a Manchester United side that made six changes yet still appeared woefully unprepared – a stark contrast to Newcastle’s relentless professionalism.
Alexander Isak’s early opener, created by Sandro Tonali’s vision, set the tone for a match that exposed Manchester United’s defensive frailties.
Even after conceding an equalizer, Newcastle displayed the mental resilience that became their trademark last season, patiently waiting to punish errors from Noussair Mazraoui and Altay Bayindir in the closing stages.
The comprehensive nature of the victory allowed assistant Jason Tindall the luxury of withdrawing five key players early, while the St James’ Park faithful serenaded their team with olés as they outclassed opponents who finished 24 points behind them in the table.
Keane’s criticism focuses on Manchester United’s misplaced priorities, mocking their apparent preoccupation with a Europa League tie against Lyon despite holding a 3-0 first-leg advantage.
“What mindset is that?” he fumed, highlighting the cultural gap between a Newcastle side embracing every challenge and a Manchester United team seemingly overwhelmed by fixture congestion.
The victory marked Newcastle’s fifth win in six meetings against the twenty-time English champions, underscoring the shifting balance of power between these historic rivals.
For Newcastle, this performance encapsulated their remarkable season – a blend of tactical cohesion, individual brilliance, and squad depth that propelled them to Champions League qualification.
The manner of victory, achieved without Howe on the touchline, testified to the ingrained understanding of his system among players who have fully bought into the project.
As Manchester United face another summer of rebuilding, Newcastle’s statement win serves as both a celebration of how far they’ve come and a warning of their continued ambitions under ambitious ownership.
Keane’s outburst, while characteristically fiery, underscores a fundamental truth – Newcastle have become everything Manchester United currently are not: organized, motivated, and ruthlessly efficient.
The 24-point gulf between the sides last season wasn’t accidental, and this demolition job at St James’ Park provided the most vivid illustration of why these clubs are moving in opposite directions.
As Newcastle prepare for European nights and Manchester United contemplate another transitional season, that early summer afternoon may well be remembered as a watershed moment for both clubs.