Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has disagreed with one Erik ten Hag decision but agreed with another after the Dutchman's starting line-up to face Liverpool was announced.
Following last Saturday's 4-0 mauling at the hands of Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, the United manager has made the decision to make four changes to his starting line-up, dropping Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fred and Luke Shaw. Raphael Varane, Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and Tyrell Malacia have been brought in.
Maguire has found himself under intense scrutiny over the past year or so, but Ten Hag announced the decision to keep him as club captain ahead of the start of pre-season last month. Maguire, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea over the last few days, started United's opening two games and had an evening to forget against Brentford last time out.
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Speculation also continues to surround Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford. The Portugal captain wants to leave the club in pursuit of Champions League football, but United and Ten Hag remain keen for him to stay and play a key part in their plans.
Therefore, his omission from the starting line-up this evening has come as a surprise, although he has not scored in his opening two appearances this term. And it is a decision that has been questioned by Keane, although the former Republic of Ireland international has admitted that he understands Ten Hag's decision to drop Maguire.
"He's got to do something, he's got to make the changes," Keane told Sky Sports. "We talk about the way they're playing and the systems... this team needs some sort of personality and character that they can bounce back from these disappointments.
"But we've seen over the last year or two they don't have it in them. I can see why you leave Maguire out; defensively they've been all over the place. He's not been great and you have to make changes – that's the manager's job. I feel Ronaldo... he's missed pre-season, we don't know what's gone on in the background.
"You almost feel there's a chance when he's on the football pitch. So I'd be reluctant to change Ronaldo but Maguire, I think, there will be no surprise with that one."
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