Roy Keane slams Man Utd ‘standards’ after draw with West Ham

Manchester United’s 1–1 draw with West Ham has triggered another fierce outburst from club legend Roy Keane, who questioned the mentality, ambition and standards of the entire organisation after the Old Trafford crowd once again booed the team at full-time. The Red Devils surrendered a late equaliser to Soungoutou Magassa, missing the chance to move level with Chelsea and climb into the top five.

Keane, analysing the match on Sky Sports, was particularly enraged by United’s collapse in control after taking the lead through Diogo Dalot and stunned by what he described as a “standing ovation culture” during substitutions.

“Every player at Old Trafford now gets a standing ovation. What are the standards at the club? Where are they coming from? You’re 1–0 up — get your top players on the ball and get the job done.”

The reaction is the latest sign of growing frustration among former players and supporters as United continue to drop points from winning positions.

Keane was left baffled by the lack of urgency after United scored just before the hour mark: “You can’t relax when you’re 1–0 up. You’re waiting for something to happen instead of making it happen.”

He also criticised players strolling off for substitutions as the crowd applauded: “Even the fans — the fans are cheering everything these days. Where’s your standards? Where’s your expectations?”

Having followed the club closely this season, the theme emerging is consistent: United struggle to manage matches after taking the lead, often losing tempo and structure instead of asserting dominance. While some argue the system is still bedding in under Amorim, other indicators point to mentality as a recurring weakness.

In our view, Keane’s comments go beyond the West Ham draw. They reflect a long-standing concern about lowered expectations at Old Trafford. Although some supporters may see the standing ovations as support rather than celebration, Keane’s wider message — demanding sharper standards — resonates with the club’s historical identity.

United’s playing style relies on composure and ball retention once ahead, but the team too often becomes frantic, inviting pressure and losing control. This isn’t simply tactical — it’s psychological, and Keane’s anger stems from watching the same pattern unfold repeatedly.

If United truly aim to re-establish themselves among the top four, these moments cannot continue.

Manchester United travel to Molineux next Monday night to face a Wolves side still searching for their first league win of the season. With pressure intensifying and dropped points piling up, this fixture becomes a crucial test of United’s resilience — and whether they can respond to criticism by delivering the level of control Keane insists is currently missing.

👉 Do you agree with Roy Keane — have Manchester United’s standards slipped, or is the criticism exaggerated?