Keane and Neville react to Man Utd League Cup victory after Ten Hag leads ‘transformational’ turnaround
Gary Neville and Roy Keane have given their reaction to Manchester United’s victory over Newcastle in the League Cup final; clinching their first major trophy since 2017.
It was a dominant performance from Erik ten Hag’s team as they defeated the Magpies 2-0, with excellent, battling performances from the entire team.
The legendary United duo were understandably ecstatic after the Red Devils came out on top against the Magpies and have given the Dutch manager a lot of the credit for their clear progress made during his tenure.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, heading home a wonderful cross from Luke Shaw to give United a deserved lead.
Then, six minutes later, the Reds doubled their advantage through an own goal from Sven Botman. Marcus Rashford was once again at the centre of the action, though, as his shot deflected off the Magpies’ defender and into Loris Karius’ net.
In the second half, Man Utd generally sat back and allowed Newcastle to have possession, but excellent defensive performances from the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane ensured they kept a vital clean sheet.
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Neville lauds Man Utd’s incredible turnaround under Ten Hag
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said: “Every single player is playing to their maximum and to their best and that is all you can ask. At the end of last season some of those players were part of a team labelled a disgrace by me and other Manchester United fans.
“The turnaround is transformational, the turnaround under Erik ten Hag is unbelievable.
“In about 2003-06 we didn’t win a trophy and you feel like you are never going to be up there again. This was the catalyst for putting some belief into the squad. this squad will be dangerous with a medal around their neck because you’d like to think Erik ten Hag will improve them again.
“What they are doing is something I would have never imagined six months ago.”
Roy Keane ‘the progress under Ten Hag is fantastic’
Keane has been very critical of Man Utd’s performances in recent years, but has declared that Ten Hag has brought the hard-working mentality back to the Red Devils, which is vital for winning trophies.
“Erik ten Hag was brought into rebuild the club and get them to compete a bit more. I kind of disliked what they have stood for over the last couple of years with issues on and off the pitch,” Keane said.
“What the manager has done in a short space of time is fantastic. They have recruited well and have spirit.
“There is a lot of hard work and the players now have to use this as a springboard to get more trophies over the next few years, that’s what it is about playing for Manchester United.”
Keane and Neville were part of the Man Utd era that won countless trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson. Now, the Premier League giants look like they are truly getting back to their best.
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