Man Utd star hits back, claiming he’d be a ‘fool’ to listen to Roy Keane barbs

Fred, Scott McTominay Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay insists that he does not listen to the criticism aimed at him by the likes of Roy Keane.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic rise in recent seasons, becoming a key figure in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side. In fact, he has played 32 Premier League games and 48 overall this term. Nevertheless, such frequent contributions mean the spotlight often means the spotlight falls on his performances.

While the defensive midfielder has earned plaudits for his explosive attacking contributions, though, Keane is one pundit who has delivered more negative assessments of his displays.

Indeed, he criticised McTominay on Sky Sports after their recent 4-2 loss to Liverpool.

He said: “I just look at the performance of the two midfielders tonight, McTominay, he’s a good honest player.

“They’ve got Fred – as long as those two are playing in midfield for Manchester United, they will not be winning big trophies.”

In response, McTominay has said (via the Manchester Evening News): “What did he say?”

“I didn’t see it, but it doesn’t ­matter. People talk. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and you have to respect that.

Scott McTominay: I'm happy to play anywhere

Scott McTominay: I'm happy to play anywhere

Scott McTominay says Scotland need to focus on building their confidence, and reveals he is happy to play in either defence or midfield for Steve Clarke.

“But I’m not going to spit my dummy out and cry over ­something Roy Keane says. If that’s what he thinks, then that’s what he thinks.

“For me, it isn’t a drama. I’d be a fool if I went home worrying about what people think about me.”

McTominay was speaking after United legend Sir Alex Ferguson picked him out as one of the club’s key players.

McTominay proud of Ferguson comments

Scott McTominay, Ezgjan Alioski Leeds v Man Utd April 2021

“Just to hear a man like Sir Alex mention your name is a privilege, never mind when he’s saying nice things about you,” he said.

“But I can never think to myself, ‘I’ve got his approval, he thinks I’m a good player’. I can’t ever be satisfied, even if I’ve got Ole’s ­approval, because it’s always about driving myself further to become a better player.

“I don’t want to feel settled. If I do that then I won’t push myself to the limits that I’ve got.


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“I know where I’m at. And I know that I have got a lot more left in the tank to push myself more.”

He added: “I was a late developer so I’m making up for lost time. I’ve still got many more years to grow into my body and become a proper man.”

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