Keane tips Red Devils to win EPL and challenge in Europe
Keane tips Mourinho’s men to win EPL and challenge in Europe
LONDON: Roy Keane claims Manchester United are back ready to win the English Premier League and challenge for the Champions League.
The treble-winning skipper watched United produce another emphatic display as they thrashed CSKA Moscow 4-1 in Russia to serve notice they are a force once again in Europe.
And the Old Trafford legend says he has seen enough from their displays at home and abroad this season to tell him Jose Mourinho’s side are capable of winning the biggest prizes.
Keane said: “United are back. They look like they will compete to win the big trophies.
“Over the last few years, you are thinking they might win a League Cup and the lesser trophies.
“But they are back competing and you expect them to be in the latter stages of the Champions League and winning the Premier League.”
United’s win in Moscow also saw Romelu Lukaku continue his impressive form since moving to Old Trafford from Everton.
The Belgian has scored 10 goals in all competitions for United and is becoming one of the most prolific forwards in the world.
Keane has hailed the impact the 24-year-old has made at the club, but challenged him to go on and prove he is among the best by scoring big goals in big matches.
He told ITV Sport: “He’s a good player, a good age, he knows the Premier League.
“He was a bargain at £75mil (RM424mil). He’s got off to a good start, and seems like a decent character.
“You look at his record at Everton, and he’s gone to a much better team. It’s so obvious he’s going to get 25-30 goals this season.
“The big tests for Lukaku will come in the big games. United haven’t had to play anyone big yet, while you can only beat what’s in front of you.
“The big test for all United strikers is whether he can score the big goals in the big games.”
United, without first-choice central midfielders Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick, lead the group by three points from CSKA and Basel.
“I think a performance can only be good for the team and for the players,” United manager Jose Mourinho said.
“For the team confidence is good, because six points in two matches in Champions League gives us a good position.”
The absence of key midfielders was not noticeable on the pitch, and Mourinho insisted it had had no impact on his team’s mindset.
“It was a strong performance, a very strong start with great personality,” he said.
United return to Premier League action on Saturday at home to bottom club Crystal Palace, who were beaten 5-0 by title rivals Manchester City last week. — The Sun, London