The Ultimate XI: What Man Utd Could Have Built If They Had Heeded Roy Keane's Advice

Manchester United They are currently undergoing reconstruction, but they would possess an exceptionally strong team at present if they had heeded Roy Keane’s advice over the years.

The ex-midfielder of United isn't one to hold back when sharing his thoughts, and lately, he has recommended multiple players to the team.

Using players already at United and those that Keane has suggested in the past, we’ve compiled a ridiculously talented XI that United could have now if they’d listened to the Irishman.

GK: David Raya

One could safely say that goalkeepers do not appeal to Keane.

"I am highly critical of goalkeepers. I'm not particularly fond of them—I believe they receive excessive acclaim," Keane stated on Sky Sports in 2023.

During his last years with the team, the critic sharply condemned David de Gea, and similarly harsh assessments have been made regarding Andre Onana.

Keane also never thought that Dean Henderson had the minerals to replace De Gea, as he regularly voiced his concern about the England international.

However, one goalkeeper whom Keane has previously praised is Arsenal’s Raya.

Before he joined Arsenal, Manchester United was strongly connected to the goalkeeper, but they weren't willing to pay the transfer fee that Brentford was asking for at the time.

Following his move to Emirates, Keane backed Raya to be a success in North London and the rest is history. If only United had pushed the boat out to sign him instead.

RB: Noussair Mazraoui

In December 2023, Keane voiced his concerns about Diogo Dalot and told the club to cash in on the Portuguese star.

He’s still at the club today, but it’s probably safe to say that Mazraoui is Keane’s preferred option in this position.

Despite the overall disappointing campaign for the Red Devils, Mazraoui has emerged as one of their most reliable players following his transfer from Bayern Munich.

CB: Matthijs de Ligt

Likewise, we’ve also included De Ligt in this XI as Keane praised the Dutchman upon his arrival last summer.

"I believe he will make a great addition," Keane said to The Overlap at the beginning of the season.

CB: Lisandro Martinez

Since arriving at Old Trafford in 2022, Martinez has made a decent impression on Keane.

“He’s got pride in his defending,” the former Red Devils captain said in 2023.

“You’ve seen his character and his desire. He wants to defend. He’s the kind of person you want to be in the trenches with.”

LB: Patrick Dorgu

The jury is still out with Dorgu, but we’ve given him the nod in this XI.

Given that Keane isn’t exactly the biggest Luke Shaw fan, he’ll be hoping that Dorgu can develop into a top performer over the coming years.

RM: Amad Diallo

“He’s got energy and quality,” is how Keane described Diallo after his heroics against Manchester City back in December.

“Everyone wants to come and get the ball but you need people running beyond the striker.

You must possess specific qualities to play for Manchester United, and he has them – he appears at ease wearing the jersey.

Some athletes struggle with performing well at Manchester United, but he seems to fit in as a member of the team.

That's quite the compliment coming from Keane.

READ: What have become of them? The 4 Manchester United signings along with Amad Diallo.

CM: Douglas Luiz

Considering Keane’s persistent criticism of Bruno Fernandes over recent years, we have excluded the Portuguese star from this lineup in favor of Luiz.

Last January, Keane spoke highly of the midfielder and strongly believed that the Brazilian possessed the talent to perform at one of England’s leading clubs.

"He shows up weekly; this player never appears to have an injury. He’s a top-quality player. I really like him," Keane said to Sky Sports.

I believe he had connections with Arsenal last year. It’s not surprising considering some of the Aston Villa players; you feel they have what it takes to play for Manchester United, Arsenal, or even Manchester City.

But I enjoy watching Luiz. He’s reliable; he performs consistently every single week. With him, you always know what to expect. There’s quite a bit I appreciate about him. Maybe his speed isn’t top-notch though.

“In terms of his decision-making and looking after the ball. Very, very good.”

Unfortunately, Keane wasn’t granted his wish of seeing Luiz at Old Trafford as he instead joined Juventus last summer.

CM: Declan Rice

Prior to his move to Arsenal, Keane wanted United to go all out for Rice, instead of signing Mason Mount.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about Mount,” Keane said in 2023. “I think Rice would, he would be a decent signing.”

Since moving to Arsenal, Keane has praised Rice on a few occasions and he’d certainly be an upgrade on United’s current midfield options.

LM: Jack Grealish

Before joining United’s local rivals, Keane urged the Red Devils to sign the England international who he described as an ‘excellent player’.

“I’d go with Jack Grealish,” Keane told Sky Sports in 2021.

“I feel United are still short of that special player. I think Grealish would give them that and I feel he would enjoy playing at Old Trafford.

“The fans would love him. What I admire about Jack is he’s got great courage on the football pitch. He always wants the ball in tight areas.

Over the past one or two years, we've noticed his final output has gotten better. He's a top-notch player.

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ST: Harry Kane

Throughout his tenure at Tottenham, United were frequently connected with Kane. In 2021, Keane believed that the Red Devils ought to have made a significant effort to secure his signing.

I believe they are just one or two top-tier players away from competing with Manchester City," Keane stated to Sky Sports in 2021. "The team lacks depth. A world-class forward is still needed.

The commentator stated that United should have paid "any price" to bring the England captain to Old Trafford, however, the transfer did not ultimately happen.

Currently enjoying scoring goals for fun at Bayern Munich, United likely regret not seizing the opportunity earlier when it was available.

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo

If left to Keane, Ronaldo would likely still be with the team now.

The Irish commentator consistently supported CR7 throughout his comeback at Old Trafford and believed that the team erred in allowing him to leave when they did.

“Manchester United have bigger problems than Cristiano Ronaldo,” Keane said in 2022.

I simply believe that considering his scoring record, he deserves to remain with the team. However, Manchester United needs to bring in more players around him; they must sign additional forwards as well, ensuring healthy competition for positions.

“If the leading goalscorer, the man you are depending on, is 37 years of age then that is certainly not good, but I would certainly be holding onto Ronaldo.”

Since leaving United, Ronaldo has scored 119 goals in 140 games for club and country.