Roy Keane admits he isn't "convinced" by Manchester United's turnaround under Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have won seven successive games, most recently a hard-fought 3-1 win at home to Everton in the FA Cup on Friday. And it was prior to the match when Keane laid bare - in typically ruthless fashion - his feelings towards his former club's impressive run of form, which sees United sit fourth in the Premier League after 17 games following a nightmare start.
"They are on a good run and they are unbeaten recently but they haven't really played anyone," the ex-Red Devils captained claimed on ITV, despite United having beaten league-leaders Arsenal and arch-rivals Liverpool as well as still being in every available cup competition. "They have Man City coming up in a few weeks and Arsenal, of course.
"But I'm still not convinced, I think the problems are still there at the back, I'm not convinced with the goalkeeper [ David de Gea ]. They are better, obviously, than last year - that wouldn't have been hard. The [Cristiano] Ronaldo situation has been cleared up, which I am sure will help the situation, but, again, I think they have had some cushy games to experiment with."
De Gea was the subject of criticism from Keane during the game, too, as the Red Devils goalkeeper made a glaring error for Everton's equalising goal which made it 1-1 at half-time. It was then when the Irishman slammed De Gea, who'd let a cross slip through his legs.
"It's a shocking mistake from an international goalkeeper," Keane bemoaned, having often criticised the Spaniard. "It's like 'Carry On' football. It looks as if he's had a few drinks. It's a shocking mistake. It's almost as if a 'keeper has been sent off and an outfield player has gone in goal and does not know what to do. It is a horrendous mistake."
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Fortunately for United boss Ten Hag, his side secured a place in the fourth round thanks to strikes from Antony, Marcus Rashford and Conor Coady's own goal. "It was really competitive, both teams challenged each other, it was a good tempo," the Dutch tactician declared post-match. "I think the audience is the big winner of this cup game. It was exciting to watch.
"A lot of tempo, a lot of opportunities for both sides and I am happy that we won this game, I think it was also justified. I think their (Everton's) performance was really good. They played really brave, on the front foot, go forward, and that is why I think the audience got the perfect game.
"It was a good show. It was entertaining. And once again we are happy we won, but I think the performance from Everton was good as well."
