Roy Keane has said that he knew Manchester United were in trouble after hearing about the club’s pre-season in Ireland.

Man United have already been written off this season, after they’ve won only one of their first 10 games and are currently in the relegation zone.

The club announced that Michael Carrick had been sacked as manager on Thursday morning (November 12), and with Mauricio Pochettino set to take on the sinking ship, many believe that it’s too little, too late as the club stutters along both on and off-pitch.

Keano, the no-nonsense captain who won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League with Man United, has been a vocal critic of how the club has been run — saying in the latest episode of Stick to Football that he heard some poor reviews about how the club was run during their pre-season preparation in Ireland.

The club played a pre-season game against Leeds United in Croke Park, and won the match 5-4 on penalties, although Roy said that the difference in prepping between Man United and Arsenal — who were also in Dublin for a pre-season match with AC Milan — was night and day.

‘Don’t forget about what happens out of possession, that is the key,’ Roy said. ‘At the moment, a brilliant example is Arsenal. Arsenal out of possession hunt in packs.’

‘I heard stuff when Arsenal went on pre-season. They were in Ireland, and Man United were in Ireland. People were comparing them, they were like chalk and cheese, the way Arsenal trained compared to Man United.

‘When you’ve got better quality players on top of that? These results United have got are only going to continue.’

United announced that they sacked Carrick, who was also a player for the club, after their dismal run of form since the start of the season, saying that he will always be a legend in the club.

‘Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,’ a statement from Man United’s board said.

‘Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.

‘After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.

‘Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.

‘The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.’