Roy Keane attacks and pinpoints ‘outstanding’ Newcastle United new found trait after Man United humbling

Roy Keane, the legendary Manchester United captain, didn’t mince words after watching his former club suffer a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.

The Magpies, even without manager Eddie Howe on the touchline due to illness, delivered a commanding performance that left no doubt about their growing stature in the Premier League.

Goals from Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and a clinical brace from Harvey Barnes sealed a dominant victory, lifting Newcastle into fourth place and reinforcing their Champions League ambitions.

Keane, known for his no-nonsense analysis, pinpointed a fundamental issue plaguing Manchester United—a lack of fight, athleticism, and mental resilience. “Not good enough,” he declared bluntly.

“That’s 14 league defeats now, and we keep making excuses for this team. There aren’t enough players who can run—or even want to run. They offer no real goal threat, and when the pressure is on, they don’t dig deep. The second half was embarrassing.”

While Manchester United’s struggles dominated Keane’s critique, he reserved high praise for Newcastle’s transformation under Howe. “Newcastle were outstanding,” he admitted.

“They’ve developed a habit of winning big games now. They were faster, stronger, and far more determined. United couldn’t handle their attacking pace, and in the end, they got exactly what they deserved.”

The contrast between the two sides couldn’t have been starker. Newcastle played with energy, precision, and a relentless drive—qualities that have become hallmarks of Howe’s tenure.

Meanwhile, Manchester United looked disjointed, sluggish, and devoid of ideas, raising serious questions about their direction under Erik ten Hag.

A Statement Victory for Newcastle

This wasn’t just another win for the Magpies—it was a declaration of intent. Moving within a point of third-placed Nottingham Forest (with a game in hand), Newcastle have firmly positioned themselves as top-four contenders.

Their ability to dismantle a traditionally dominant side like Manchester United, even without their manager present, speaks volumes about the squad’s depth and mentality.

Keane’s assessment of Manchester United’s fragility only magnified Newcastle’s superiority. “They’re physically and mentally weak,” he said of the visitors. “Before the game, people talked about ‘signs of improvement,’ but I don’t see it. That was another poor performance, especially in the second half. I worry for this group—they don’t look like a strong unit.”

Newcastle, on the other hand, appear to be the polar opposite—a team brimming with confidence, cohesion, and a clear identity. The likes of Guimarães, Barnes, and Tonali tormented United’s defense, exposing their lack of intensity and tactical discipline.

What This Means for Both Clubs

For Newcastle, the victory reinforces their credentials as genuine Champions League contenders. The club’s ambitious project, backed by Saudi investment, is bearing fruit sooner than many expected.

With a blend of shrewd signings, tactical intelligence, and a raucous home atmosphere at St. James’ Park, they’ve become a formidable force.

Manchester United, meanwhile, face yet another period of introspection. Keane’s scathing critique reflects growing frustration among fans and pundits alike. If they can’t address their lack of fight and consistency, they risk falling further behind their rivals.

As for Newcastle, the challenge now is maintaining this momentum. If they continue playing with the same hunger and belief, a return to Europe’s elite competition could soon become reality.

And if Manchester United don’t undergo a drastic transformation, more humbling nights like this may lie ahead.

One thing is certain—Newcastle United are no longer underdogs. They’re a team that expects to win big games. And if Roy Keane’s verdict is anything to go by, the rest of the league should take notice.