“He Lacks Football Intelligence”—Roy Keane Slams Manchester United Star After Chelsea Defeat

Manchester United’s disappointing Premier League season hit a new low on Friday night after a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, and former captain Roy Keane didn’t hold back in his assessment of one particular Red Devils star.

United were second-best at Stamford Bridge, suffering their 18th league defeat of the season under Rúben Amorim. Marc Cucurella’s 71st-minute header from a Reece James cross sealed the win for Chelsea, despite United deploying five defenders at the time. Earlier, Harry Maguire thought he had opened the scoring, only for his volley to be chalked off by VAR for offside.

Following the game, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane singled out Rasmus Højlund for criticism, questioning the young striker’s football intelligence and ability to lead the line for a club like United.

“You walk up, you know how to – again, one shot on target. We can’t keep making excuses for him,” Keane began.

“When you’re a striker at Manchester United, you’ve got to make something happen, even if the service isn’t perfect. The great strikers at United have always done that. We’re not seeing that from Højlund.”

Keane didn’t stop there. He highlighted a moment in the first half when Højlund received the ball near the edge of the box, only to pass it backwards instead of attempting a shot.

“He wasn’t even in the right body position to shoot,” Keane said. “He just knocked it back. He should be getting it on goal. That’s basic stuff.”

The 21-year-old Danish forward has led the line for United throughout the season, often starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee and Chido Obi. However, his lack of consistent output and apparent struggles with positioning and decision-making have raised eyebrows.

While Højlund showed promise during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s stint on the coaching staff, he’s struggled to maintain that upward trajectory since the Dutchman’s departure. Many believe the young striker needs an experienced forward to guide him — someone who understands the pressure and expectations that come with playing as United’s number nine.

With the club’s focus now shifting to the Europa League final against Tottenham, Amorim will be hoping his side can find their cutting edge in time. But for Højlund, the pressure continues to mount — and voices like Keane’s only make that spotlight brighter.

“He needs help,” one United insider said. “But he also needs to learn, fast.”

As United’s disappointing league campaign draws to a close, questions are being asked about who can step up — and whether the club will make a move for a more experienced striker to both support and challenge Højlund.