WATCH NOW: Ruben Amorim speaks to the media ahead of Man United and Athletic Bilbao clash
The pundit did not hold back with his criticism ahead of United’s huge European clash on Thursday evening
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Roy Keane has mocked Harry Maguire's attacking contribution during Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg.
The former United captain dismissed the praise Maguire received for his footwork in the build-up to Casemiro's opening goal during the impressive away win last Thursday.
Speaking on the latest Stick To Football podcast, Keane responded sarcastically to comments about Maguire's ability, particularly further up the pitch.
The outspoken pundit was triggered when fellow panellist Jill Scott jokingly suggested United should play Maguire at right-wing-back after his quick feet in Bilbao.
Roy Keane was having none of Jill Scott's suggestion to play Harry Maguire further forward
Reuters
Keane said on the podcast: "I know you're joking. Harry Maguire last week. Harry Maguire crossed the ball and everyone's going 'what amazing feet'.
"He crossed the ball! Skill? He did a little shimmy, crossed it! It's not bad for £80m is it? Someone who can cross the ball! Oh my god! You're all living in cuckoo land!"
Maguire's piece of skill, where he twisted and turned past his marker before delivering a cross that led to United's opening goal, helped United take control of the tie with an impressive away performance.
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Andre Onana (left) and Harry Maguire (right) celebrating Manchester United's 3-0 win in Bilbao
Reuters
This was not Maguire's first important contribution for United this season, with the 32-year-old recently scoring a dramatic late winner as United beat Lyon 5-4 in a thriller to send them through in the Europa League, as well as scoring the winner in a 3-2 victory against Ipswich in the league and a stoppage-time header against Leicester in the FA Cupin Januaryto send them through.
Despite the positive result in Europe, Keane expressed his frustration with United's approach to the Premier League.
"They're getting on my nerves, they keep talking about a big game next week, they're not even trying," he added.
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A couple of weeks ago at Newcastle they said 'we couldn't focus because we've got Lyon coming up' so they keep writing these matches off.
"I understand it's a big game, so you just dismiss these league matches? They're a disgrace, an absolute disgrace."
The team's European form has contrasted sharply with their domestic performances, as they are the only unbeaten side in a European competition this year. They have, however, lost a record 16 matches in the league.
Keane also directed his criticism towards United captain Bruno Fernandes, whose leadership he has repeatedly questioned.
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Roy Keane (left) has criticised Ruben Amorim's (left) team in the league this season
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The pundit has argued that Fernandes is not a 'fighter' - a quality Keane clearly values in a Manchester United captain from his days as a player.
When the panel discussed Fernandes' impressive form since Keane had described him and his team-mates as 'bluffers' following their 4-1 defeat at Newcastle, the Irishman remained unimpressed.
"Well they're getting great records at United this year, aren't they?," he said sarcastically. "No, I'm fed up of listening to it all. Bruno's a talented player. But talent isn't enough."
It isn't the first time Keane has aired a damning assessment of the United captain, but it comes after the Portuguese international scored twice in the Red Devils' victory away at Bilbao.
This contribution has all but sent his side through to their first European final since 2021, and the chance to lift the Europa League for the first time since 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
Fernandes also has 32 goal contributions this year and has created the joint-most chances in the Premier League this season with Cole Palmer.