Roy Keane has delivered a scathing assessment of Jose Mourinho’s first season as Manchester United manager.
Keane’s former club play Celta Vigo on Thursday evening with a place in the final of the Europa League up for grabs.
Mourinho has admitted his team face a serious reality check if they fail to win the competition and qualify for the Champions League, but Keane insists the season has already been a huge disappointment by United’s lofty standards.
“In terms of getting their hands on the Europa League then there’s no excuses why they can’t do it,” said Keane.
The Republic of Ireland assistant went on to dispute presenter Mark Pougatch’s suggestion that two cup wins – after their League Cup victory over Southampton – would represent a good first season for Mourinho.
“I wouldn’t go that far. I don’t care. For a club like Man United winning the League Cup and the Europa League with the teams that are in it you’d expect them to do that.
“But to be so far behind in the league I think is nothing short of embarrassing with the players they have and the squad and money they’ve spent.
“He’s coming out with plenty of excuses over the last few months,” said the former Red Devils captain.
“This idea that they’re now sixth in the league, I think it’s what, 19 points behind Chelsea. I think the manager and the players should be embarrassed by that.”
Manchester United’s best route into the Champions League next season remains via the Europa League after Mourinho’s injury-hit side dropped points at Arsenal on Sunday.
United remain in sixth position in the table, four points off the last top four spot which is currently held by Manchester City.
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