A win so good even Roy Keane is on board: Legend can’t hide delight at Manchester United derby win

Roy Keane struggled to hide his delight with Manchester United’s stellar performance in their derby victory against City on Saturday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side edged past the title chasers at the Etihad after first-half goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, moving United into fifth and five points adrift of the Champions League spots. 

And the former United captain hailed the club’s ‘outstanding’ showing against the reigning champions – and believes the triumph may allow the players to benefit from much-needed confidence.

The 48-year-old pundit has not shirked from criticising the top flight giants on countless occasions since hanging up his boots, but Keane appeared notably impressed with the manner of United’s victory over their city rivals.

Solskjaer’s men have now pieced together two consecutive wins to boost them back into European contention, after United had bettered ex-manager Jose Mourinho on the Portuguese’s return to Old Trafford with Tottenham in mid-week.

But Keane was quick to play down the importance of beating the London side, and instead opted to focus on the club’s overall turnaround in form. 

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: ‘I absolutely did not see this coming. It was fantastic – a proper United performance. Lots of bravery and personality. They were outstanding.

Goals from Marcus Rashford (pictured) and Anthony Martial sealed United’s win at the Etihad

‘I don’t think beating Tottenham was a big deal at home, but that win (over City) will give the players a lot of confidence as they have been criticised – nobody likes to be criticised.

‘I really enjoyed watching them, it’s what United is all about. But the key is to be consistent, week in, week out. Hopefully these young players will pick up on that.’ 

Keane, whose last foray into coaching came with Nottingham Forest earlier this year, also lauded Solskjaer – who had come under increasing pressure following his side’s stuttering form since being handed the hotseat on a permanent basis.

‘He’s trying to build a bond with the supporters,’ Keane added. ‘You go to Man United to win. It’s a huge credit to Ole. Man United’s always been about young players but they need more consistency.’

Keane also lauded Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after United moved back into European contention

With City reeling from a faltering charge to retain their crown, United had swept into a two-goal lead in the first-half, and defended resolutely after the interval to inflict further misery on Pep Guardiola’s ranks. 

And at the break, Keane had been just as delighted, saying: ‘They deserve to be two goals in front. They’ve been outstanding.’

The Irishman, renowned for his no nonsense punditry style, has slammed several United performances this campaign – with the ex-skipper even claiming that players of old would have been ‘lynched’ for settling for a fourth place finish. 

Keane also bemoaned the poor quality on show in a ‘shocking’ draw between United and Arsenal in September, and had predicted both strugglers to miss out on Champions League football.

Recent reports have even suggested that Solskjaer drafted in Keane to hold a team talk in the build-up to the derby clash, with the Norwegian keen to highlight the club’s rich history.

Reports have suggested that Solskjaer drafted in Keane to hold a team talk before the derby

But according to The Mirror, Keane had been left feeling thoroughly unimpressed with one unnamed United star, who is believed to have remained slouched in his chair and bore an uninterested expression. 

However, despite the spirits in United’s camp receiving a monumental boost after downing City, fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville is remaining firmly grounded.

He said: ‘It gives Ole a bit of breathing space and the confidence he can win big games as shown in the last four days. It does give you hope that there is something there that can produce that level of performance.

‘But it doesn’t change what United need to do in January. They need to get experience to bolster that squad. They need it desperately. Scott McTominay and Fred have done brilliantly, but they can’t do it every week.’