BREAKING NEWS: Jose Mourinho has warned Rúben Amorim that continuing to start a specific Manchester United player could cost him his job by January. Mourinho suggested that this same player played a key role in Erik ten Hag’s dismissal and believes Amorim is taking a significant risk by relying on him. Critics argue that Amorim’s decision to keep selecting this player, who appears indifferent to the club’s values, could lead to even worse results than under ten Hag.

Roy Keane did not hold back in his criticism of Manchester United’s lackluster performance in their 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. He expressed frustration over their inability to maintain control after an early goal, arguing that the team became overly cautious instead of building on their momentum. Keane, speaking on Sky Sports, emphasized that United’s passive approach prevented them from capitalizing on a strong start under new manager Rúben Amorim.

United had a promising beginning at Portman Road, with Marcus Rashford scoring just two minutes into the match. The goal came from a well-delivered cross by Amad Diallo, providing an ideal opening for Amorim’s tenure as manager. However, that early energy quickly faded as Ipswich grew into the game, forcing United onto the defensive. Despite Andre Onana making an impressive save to deny Liam Delap, Ipswich eventually equalized when Omari Hutchinson’s deflected shot found the net just before halftime.

Keane acknowledged the quality of United’s opening goal but was critical of what followed. He pointed out that while Rashford’s strike was a positive moment, United’s decision to sit back was baffling. He praised the attacking intent of the wing-backs in setting up the goal but questioned why United lost their drive so quickly. According to him, the team’s reluctance to sustain their aggression allowed Ipswich to grow in confidence and take control.

After the goal, Keane observed that United failed to assert themselves and let Ipswich dictate the tempo. He argued that instead of pressing forward and trying to extend their lead, they withdrew into a defensive shell. This approach, in his view, gave Ipswich all the encouragement they needed to get back into the game. He believed United should have been more proactive in seeking a second goal rather than merely trying to protect their lead.

Keane also pointed to a broader issue with Manchester United’s current state, stating that teams no longer fear playing against them. He suggested that their lack of intensity and urgency allows opponents to believe they have a chance, which was evident in Ipswich’s comeback. According to him, United’s vulnerability is becoming increasingly obvious, making them an easier target for teams willing to take the initiative.

His comments reflect a growing concern among analysts and fans that United lacks the ability to control games for long stretches. While Amorim’s appointment has generated some optimism, Keane’s analysis indicates that deep-seated issues remain. If United cannot sustain their energy and dominate matches, the new manager will have a significant challenge in reversing their fortunes.

The match against Ipswich exemplifies a pattern in United’s recent performances: they often start well but fail to maintain their intensity. Keane believes this inconsistency is a major reason for their struggles and suggests that without a shift in mentality, they will continue to drop points. He argued that until Amorim instills a more aggressive and determined mindset, the team will remain vulnerable to losing control of matches.

Unless significant changes are made, Keane’s concerns about Manchester United’s mentality and approach will persist. The team’s inability to build on early leads raises questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. If Amorim is to succeed, he must address these shortcomings quickly and ensure that United can not only take the lead but also dominate games from start to finish.