Roy Keane’s Man Utd criticism picked up by Paul Scholes amid stammering title bid

Roy Keane’s earlier criticism of Manchester United was supported by Paul Scholes despite their victory over Newcastle on Sunday.

The Red Devils returned to second place after a 3-1 win over the Magpies at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford, Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes were all on the scoresheet as they regained their places against Leicester, who had beaten Aston Villa earlier in the day.

This means they are now 10 points behind Manchester City – who have won 18 games in a row.

Pep Guardiola’s men may be too far away to catch up now, but if United had started the season in good shape there could be a bit of a title battle.

However, as it stands, it seems the best Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can do is apply some pressure.

And former United captain Keane has revealed it was due to a lack of self-confidence.

Earlier this month, United drew 3-3 with Everton after the Toffees scored an equalizer with the last kick of the game.

Then in the Sky Sports studio, Keane said: “I’m really surprised, we didn’t think in the last 12 months that United could challenge Manchester City, but I think they will be the best of the rest.

“Listening to Ole and the latest performances and the goalkeeper last night… they probably don’t have the conviction that they can challenge Man City.

“And if you don’t believe you can do it, chances are you won’t.

“Obviously when Ole came out last night that he didn’t feel ready to win the league, I just think if you’re playing for United and you’re near the top, you’ve got to believe you can win the league. the title of champion. “

And Scholes backed his ex-teammate, admitted after Newcastle’s victory: “When United have been where they’ve been for a few years it’s hard to get excited.

“There are five games, leading the league, going to Anfield, and from there it’s been really disappointing.

“He (Solskjaer) played a bit like we probably expected and now he’s saying they’re going, they’re going to try to catch them.

“It’s hard to tell when you see what you see in front of your face, right, on a Saturday afternoon or Wednesday night, whatever, and once they’ve reached that position, they really didn’t have the authority to go on, lacked conviction, to go on and think they could win.