In an age when opinions on Manchester United aren't hard to come by, Roy Keane's cutting words often garner the most attention.
Not unlike his days in the Red Devils' midfield, the Irishman's voice is usually the most dominant regardless of who's sitting beside him in the studio. And while Keane has criticised managers, goalkeepers, defenders and attackers, some of his most memorable rants have come in relation to the those who've tried to succeed him in the Old Trafford engine room.
Considering United's problems in that department, their midfielders have regularly been handed home truths from the colossus player-turned-no-nonsense pundit which has helped fuel raging transfer speculation to replace them. With that in mind, Mirror Football takes a look at Keane's comments on those currently in his shoes at the centre of the park.
Fred
Kicking off with the man who's received arguably more criticism than anyone since his arrival, Fred recently forced Keane into a U-turn - only to be lambasted again following the Manchester Derby. Having dismissed the Brazilian's quality for an elite-level team on multiple occasions, the former Republic of Ireland stalwart's scrutiny hit new heights in October when he raged on Sky Sports.
"If (then Red Devils boss) OIe (Gunnar Solskjaer) walked in here now I'd grab him by the (collar) and say 'why are you playing Fred?'" Keane declared. "All managers have to make their own decisions, they're working with the players day in, day out, I would look at him and go 'why are you playing Fred in the middle of the park?'"
But after United's 4-2 win at Leeds in February, in which Fred scored with a smart near-post finish, Keane admitted that he'd improved and explained: "That comes from a little bit of confidence, little bit of swagger back. And it's nice to see because he's been heavily criticised. Fred's obviously improved his end-product over the last few months. Fred's been criticised. Again, he's added a couple of goals to his game, a couple of assists. About time for him!"
Sadly for Fred, though, Keane reverted to type after their recent aforementioned derby defeat, being thrashed 4-1 by Manchester City and conceding a host of preventable goals - notably the second after Jadon Sancho made it 1-1 midway through the first half. "Look at Fred. You are fighting for your life and you have got a midfielder who is standing there like he is waiting for a bus. Your instinct must be, 'I've got to go back towards my goal'." Typically scathing.
Scott McTominay
Alongside the much-maligned Fred is very often McTominay, who's emerged as arguably the Red Devils' most consistent 'defensive' midfielder since Michael Carrick - Keane's immediate successor - retired in 2018. The box-to-box academy graduate has also received his fair share of stick in recent times, but Keane has been mixed in his assessment.
When McTominay produced a stunning performance in the 6-2 thrashing of Leeds last, Keane heaped praise on the Scotland international. "He's 24, he's mature, he's in good shape and he's played a lot of games at the top level," Keane said on Sky Sports. "He's played in one or two different roles as well as for the national team.
"I even like his haircut. His haircut makes him look a little bit sharper." He went on to say: "The kid has matured very well. I do like the look of him. He'll probably need to improve on his stats and goals, but his role in the team has generally been protecting a back four that is dodgy."
But just five months later, following 4-2 defeat to Liverpool towards the end of last season, Keane lamented: "Look at the performance of the two midfielders. McTominay is a good, honest player. And they've got Fred. As long as those two players are in midfield for Manchester United, they will not be winning any big trophies. I can't believe how short Manchester United are."
Paul Pogba
A man never far from any debate surrounding the 20-time English champions, Pogba's six years back in Manchester have provided a conveyor belt of talking points. From his agent's irritating transfer chatter to hit-and-miss displays, the Frenchman has faced flack on and off the pitch. Keane has been part of that, with his comments during Euro 2020 making his verdict crystal clear; impressed, but not impressed enough.
"Listen, we keep talking about Paul Pogba. There is no doubt that he is a talented boy but I still want more from him especially for Manchester United," he bemoaned on ITV. "No doubt he is surrounded by better players and more comfortable in that environment with the French squad. He plays on the left and slots in. He's a talented player but for me, I want more particularly when he's playing for Man United."
The 29-year-old could soon be out the door at Old Trafford, however, with his contract expiring in June. After returning from a three-month spell on the sidelines to face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup - which resulted in United being knocked out in humiliating fashion - Keane discussed Pogba again, adding: "How many times do you have to say about Pogba, an outstanding talent no doubt about it he's got the CV and the trophies to back it up. But in his time at United, I don’t think he’s been consistent enough.
"A big few months ahead for him from a selfish point of view for him if he's looking at moving. Or could he possibly be staying at Man United? We don't know with the manager but he's a talented boy but hasn't done enough at Man United, he hasn't been consistent enough."
Bruno Fernandes
A contender for the Red Devils' best player in the post- Sir Alex Ferguson era, Fernandes has enjoyed more plaudits than most over the past two years. But even with his gluttony of goals and assists, Keane has found room for criticism, even though he appears to be a fan on the whole.
In March 2021, as United lost pace with bitter rivals City at the top of the table, the Portuguese was labelled a "baby" by Keane in a debate with Liverpool legend Graeme Souness, who was defending Fernandes following criticism that the midfielder didn't deliver against the top teams.
Despite Souness' argument, Keane concluded on Sky Sports: "We'll watch him today against Man City, that's it. It's all about what you do on a football pitch. I know players are under pressure to do interviews and respond to criticism, but just get on with it.
Join the debate! What are your opinions on Man Utd's midfield? Let us know below.
"Don't be such a baby. Focus on the game today and produce against a brilliant Man City team, end of story. If he does well, we praise him and if he doesn't, he'd better be ready." Fortunately for Fernandes, he scored and the Red Devils ran out 2-0 winners on derby day.
Nemanja Matic
Having enjoyed his best years prior to Keane becoming a regular Premier League pundit, Matic has rarely been analysed much by the man he's labelled a childhood idol. Instead, he's seemingly earned respect throughout his distinguished career. That being said, the Serbian was chucked into a trio of United players who Keane claimed are not at the desired level - a summary of where the first team's midfield is 17 years on from his controversial departure.
"If you think Fred, McTominay and Matic in midfield will get Man United back to the heights of winning titles, then you're living in cuckoo land," he stated on Sky Sports. "They won't, I think they're good players - I like them - but not to the next level, and that's surely what United are looking for."
