Manchester, September 14, 2025 — Manchester United’s latest trip to the Etihad ended in humiliation, as City cruised to a 3-0 win in the Manchester derby. Erling Haaland struck twice, Phil Foden added the third, and once again the gulf in class between the two clubs was laid bare.
But while City’s dominance was expected, it was Roy Keane’s stinging comments that made the biggest headlines. The former United captain turned pundit delivered a brutal verdict on Luke Shaw, accusing the defender of lacking fitness, sharpness, and accountability.
Keane’s Harsh Words
Keane, speaking on Sky Sports after the match, was uncompromising in his assessment.
“I think Luke Shaw has been getting away with murder for years at United. Always injured and never quite fit. Tonight, he threw the towel in. He didn’t even get his body position right for the first goal — it’s the basics. This is Manchester United, the standards should be so much higher.”
The Irishman highlighted Shaw’s poor defending against Jeremy Doku in the buildup to City’s opener and his failure to track Haaland’s movement in key moments. Keane also suggested that Shaw’s recurring fitness issues had long undermined his value to the team.
How the Game Unfolded
Manchester City were relentless from the opening whistle. Their first goal came when Jeremy Doku sliced through United’s left side, feeding Haaland, who calmly chipped the advancing goalkeeper to give City the lead.
Haaland doubled his tally after the break, punishing a loose pass from Harry Maguire. The Norwegian striker pounced, raced through on goal, and finished with trademark composure.
Phil Foden then sealed the win late on, guiding home after a sweeping City move carved United’s defence apart yet again.
It was a complete performance from City: aggressive in attack, controlled in midfield, and solid at the back. United, by contrast, rarely threatened and looked second best in every department.
Shaw’s Struggles
For Keane, Shaw’s role in the defeat summed up deeper issues at United. The left-back allowed Doku far too much space on the flank, failed to assert himself physically against Haaland, and looked hesitant when building from the back.
Shaw’s Old Trafford career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries. Since joining from Southampton in 2014, he has missed over 200 matches across competitions. While his talent has shone in flashes — notably at Euro 2020 and during United’s strong run in 2021 — his consistency remains in question.
Keane’s point was simple: a player of Shaw’s seniority cannot be this unreliable, especially in big matches.
Amorim Under Pressure
This was another damaging result for United head coach Rúben Amorim, who took charge in November 2024 after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. Amorim admitted post-match that his team were “punished for basic mistakes” and must rediscover discipline to avoid further setbacks.
But Keane suggested the problems run deeper than the manager. He argued that too many of United’s senior players lack leadership and that players like Shaw set the wrong tone in high-pressure fixtures.
Fans Reactions
As always, Keane’s comments sparked debate. Some United supporters agreed, with one fan posting:
“Keane is right. Shaw has been inconsistent and injured for too long. We can’t keep waiting on him.”
Others defended the full-back: “Harsh from Keane. Injuries aren’t his fault. The whole team collapsed, not just Shaw.”
The split reflects a wider dilemma: whether United should persist with experienced but unreliable players or rebuild with fresh options.
SUMMARY
United’s derby defeat was more than just another bad result. it was a reminder of how far they have fallen behind City. For Luke Shaw, it was another chapter in a career overshadowed by injuries and questions about reliability.
Roy Keane’s words were cutting, but they may force uncomfortable conversations inside Old Trafford. At a club that demands excellence, patience with inconsistency is wearing thin.
