Richard Keys launches atttack on ex-pros, defends Lukaku

The criticism of Romelu Lukaku’s performance against Liverpool was “way out of line”, according to former Sky Sports frontman Richard Keys.

Keys, 60, who is now beIN SPORTS’ anchorman, claims criticism of the former Everton man after Saturday’s goalless draw at Anfield was ridiculous.

Keys suggests the Belgium striker has already had a bigger impact on United than “his mate Pogba” and blasted the former professionals, who “have all become world beaters since they retired”.

“I thought the criticism Lukaku took in some quarters was way out of line,” said Keys. “I’m always surprised when ex-pros turn so violently on the generation that’s followed them. They should know better. They’ve played. And believe me, I’ve seen many of them play some very ordinary football themselves down the years. They’ve all become world beaters since they retired.

“Lukaku is a class act. He’s had a far bigger impact on United already than his mate Pogba. He is not a flat track bully. Ask Evertonians if their team is missing him.

“Lukaku had one big chance on Saturday. He knows he should’ve done better with it. Let’s say he had. Let’s say he’d scored the games only goal. Would that have made him the best player in the pitch? Of course not. The fact he didn’t score doesn’t make him the worst on the pitch either.”

Lukaku failed to make any real impact at Anfield and cut a frustrated figure, putting in arguably his worst performance in a United shirt, but his record this season remains remarkable.

The 24-year-old has 11 goals for United, and in fact he has failed to score in just two of his 14 appearances for club and country.