Roy Keane has been criticised by Manchester United fans for his comments on Kobbie Mainoo prior to today’s derby clash between the Red Devils and Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Mainoo has been unleashed for the first time in the Premier League, with the 20-year-old previously absent under former boss Ruben Amorim.
The England international is widely considered to be one of the greatest academy products in recent years, having formerly established himself during Erik ten Hag’s time in the dugout.
Many United fans, therefore, believe Mainoo can still be a vital player for many years to come despite his struggles during Amorim’s stint in the dugout.
Before the showdown at Old Trafford, however, Sky Sports pundit Keane questioned whether he really possessed the quality required to shine at the highest level.
“We talk about building the team around him but has he got those leadership skills?” said the Irishman, who won every major trophy during his time at United.
“He has had a difficult few months.
Roy Keane has been criticised by Manchester United fans for his comments on Kobbie Mainoo prior to today’s derby clash between the Red Devils and Manchester City at Old Trafford
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SKYSPORTS
“There are still question marks over him. I’m still not convinced with him yet but he is still inexperienced in terms of games played.”
However, many fans have now piled into Keane – suggesting the 54-year-old was needlessly critical of a player still learning his trade.
“Roy Keane is endlessly miserable,” wrote one user on X. “Sometimes it feels like he doesn’t even want to see the club succeed — it’s negativity every time.”
“I’m still not convinced”
Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge react to Kobbie Mainoo coming back into the Manchester United team 🔙 pic.twitter.com/G0ajEXnSJ6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 17, 2026
A second fumed: “Leadership skills, he’s 20 years old. Is Keane capable of any analysis that isn’t pure emotion? How about his technical capabilities as a footballer? How about MOTM vs a treble-winning team in a cup final and Ballon d’or winner? How about being ranked as one of the best talents?”
Another wrote: “Is there anything Roy Keane doesn’t have issues with? Anything at all?”
A fourth said: “Not every player has to be a leader in order to build around them! Building around also means you understand what he has and doesn’t have and you fill in those blanks!”
A fifth opined: “I’m telling you we have the WORST legends ever who can’t keep their mouth shut for once. No wonder most of them can’t even get qualified to manage League 2 teams.”
And a sixth commented: “He’s a teenager ffs calm down.”
Today marks Michael Carrick’s first game in charge of United since being appointed as head coach until the end of the campaign.
Kobbie Mainoo starts for Manchester United against Manchester City on Saturday
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It’s a huge occasion for the 44-year-old, who will be hoping to guide United to winning ways following their failure to overcome the likes of Burnley, Leeds and Brighton in 2026 so far.
Carrick, when asked about his decision to pick Mainoo, explained himself by saying: “He’s a fantastic talent and has dealt with big occasions already and coped with it.
“That element goes with the talent and I look forward to seeing him thrive.”
When quizzed on his game plan, he added: “Managing the game through how we think it will flow.
“We have a really strong group of players on the bench to finish the game strong for us.
“There are certain things we need to be aware of and deal with. It’s not about stopping, it’s about being progressive and thinking about our threats.”
