‘For some to down tools, shame on them’
turn up overweight or players are not training properly and not producing. And then, for some of them to down tools, shame on some of them players.
“I’m not Mourinho’s biggest fan, don’t get me wrong, but I just can’t tolerate footballers who just hide behind their agents, their pals in the media. A bit of a joke, really.
“I suppose people think I’m a bit old-school. I don’t call it old-school – I call it good school.
“No matter what’s going on at your club, when you go out on that pitch, particularly for a big club like United, you go out and give it your all – no excuses.”
Keane said the problem was not just at United and claimed modern-day players lack their predecessors’ mental toughness.
“This idea that these players may be a little bit upset, it’s not just at United,” said Keane.
“Trust me, the modern player, they’re not just weak players, they’re very weak human beings. You can’t say a word to them.”
Keane won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League during his 13 seasons at United and believes any player unrest during his time in the dressing room would have been quelled.
He said: “Players are quick to hide behind social media, their cars and their girlfriend’s dog, the whole lot.
“I was very lucky with the dressing room I was in. There were good men, good leaders and characters, but that is in shortage in the game now.
“It would not have happened in our dressing room. We would not have tolerated lads not putting a shift in.” Speaking about United since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, Keane said: “It is amazing how far they have gone back in terms of performance compared to Manchester City and Liverpool.
“Everyone knew it would be difficult when Fergie left, but I’m shocked how far back they have gone.”
Keane did have a good word to say about United’s new interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, adding: “Ole will get that feelgood factor back, Mike Phelan back in is a good move.
“Ole will be popular and getting the players back on side will be the easiest part.”