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Former Man United skipper outlines the issue behind our ‘big-six’ struggles

Roy Keane presents his theory regarding why manchester United struggle against the big six

A warrior of a player, Roy Keane captained Manchester United to a number of titles, beating the very best teams in the land.

The tides have turned since and the Red Devils have not won a major honour sine 2017. While we may be in the second spot in the Premier League, our record against the big-six in English football presents an unenvious picture.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side aren’t just winless in the seven matches against big-six clubs but we have also failed to score a single goal from open play.

Roy Keane believes it was the loss against Tottenham Hotspur that prompted Manchester United to take a safety-first approach.
Roy Keane has described Manchester Untied’s 6-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur as a watershed moment

Our lone strike came in the 6-1 thrashing against Tottenham Hotspur when Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot. Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Daily Star), Keane believes it was precisely that loss that prompted the club to take a safety-first approach.

“As the game goes on they settle for the draw, not wanting to be beaten.”

United were systematically taken apart by former boss Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side on the night. Since then, the club has approached the big games with a sense of caution.

“Maybe they are scarred from the Spurs game. I don’t know the scoop, we’re just guessing.”

United have since taken a safety-first approach(Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

An inferiority complex?

United have performed well in bursts in some of these games, but have struggled to properly impose themselves and go after the three points. Keane believes this profligacy before the goal is thanks to the mindset rather than any lack of quality.

“The lack of goals from United’s point of view, with the real good players they’ve got on the pitch, might be something in their mindset.”

The fact that we are settling for a point does not augur well for a side challenging for the title. While one can argue that we are doing well to even stay in the conversation, it must not be overlooked that our own negativity is stopping us from taking the next step.

Manchester United have made a formal bid for Bayern Munich star David Alaba.
The Manchester Derby is up next

More Manchester United News

Our next big game is against Manchester City in the derby on March 7. The result that night could very well decide where the title ends up. How United approach the game remains to be seen.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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