NEVER ME
Roy Keane’s priceless comeback after Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag slagged him about ‘killing the vibe’
There was still plenty of patchiness in their display despite coming out on top vs Fulham
ERIK TEN HAG came out swinging at Roy Keane after overseeing Man United's winning start to the league season.
This time around it was all playful digs as anyone with a soft spot for United was in good form after debut sub Joshua Zirkzee fired them to a 1-0 victory vs Fulham.
1
But the Dutchman still aimed a few jibes Keane's way as he clearly still remembers how prominent pundits en masse were laying into him all last season.
After answering a question from Gary Neville and then Jamie Carragher, he turned to Keane and asked whether he had anything to say.
The Ireland legend shrugged his shoulders with a smile and said: "Nah, I'm just chilling out. It's a good vibe going on."
Ten Hag continued prodding though, quipping as he slapped Roy on the shoulder: "You don't want to spoil the vibe huh?"
Read More On Man United
Keane took it all in good grace as he grinned: "Just keep winning. It's easy, no problem."
After the United boss departed down the new Stretford End tunnel there was further laughter at Keane's expense.
But he assured his punditry pals that he hasn't been especially mean towards the ex-Ajax gaffer.
Responding to host Rebecca Lowe stating he'd seemed keen to wind up Keane in particular, the latter claimed: "Perception, Jesus! I'm always nice to him."
Most read in Football
Winning does of course cure all ills so the three points will mask what was otherwise an okay but not notably different showing from last season.
Casemiro did at least look leaner and sharper in his tackles as well as in possession.
Player Ratings: Manchester United vs Fulham
But they were still slow out of the blocks with Marco Silva's side the better team in the opening 20 minutes as well as in the initial phase after half-time.
The usage of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as almost dual false nines didn't give the visitors enough to worry about at the heart of their defence.
This allowed them to create plenty of chances on the break in addition to general play opportunities.
United old boy Andreas Pereira scuppered a golden opportunity around the 50-minute mark.
GOALS LIVE! WIN IRELAND V ENGLAND TICKETS
FOOTBALL legends Tony Cascarino, Stuart Pearce, Andy Reid and Neil
O'Riordan will join The Irish Sun’s first live football preview event on Tuesday September 3 ahead of the Republic of Ireland v England match in The Aviva that weekend.
Goals Live 2024, in association with TonyBet and hosted by well-known sports commentator Dave McIntyre, promises to be an evening of entertainment, discussion, analysis and lively debate as the
panel delves into the upcoming big match between football rivals the Republic of Ireland and England.
The event, which is for over 18s only, will take place in The Camden, Dublin 2, from 6.15pm – 9pm.
The ticket includes a complimentary drink for attendees and each ticketholder will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a pair of match tickets to the big game in the Aviva on Saturday September 7.
Tickets are just €5 and available to purchase HERE.
After a United corner broke down he latched onto a loose ball and could easily have put Alex Iwobi through as it was a two-on-one in their favour.
But the 28-year-old dawdled before failing to execute a routine through ball with its errant nature allowing Harry Maguire to get a toe on it.
The overall shots statistic doesn't make for great reading for the home side either as they only shaded it 14-10.
But on the bright side Zirkzee wasn't the only new acquisition that looked like an upgrade on previous options.
Deployed in his preferred right-back slot while Diogo Dalot swapped on to the left side, Noussair Mazraoui didn't put a foot wrong.
The Moroccan was assured on the ball all evening and made a vital sliding block in the box from Iwobi when the Londoners were in the ascendancy.
Their next game is an away trip to Brighton in next Saturday's early kick-off.