Roy Keane Questions Manchester United's Midfield Depth for Premier League Title

Roy Keane doubts Manchester United’s new-look midfield can deliver the Premier League title – and insists the real problems still sit behind them.

Speaking on Stick to Football, the former United captain accepted that the club have finally built something resembling depth in the middle of the pitch, especially with Kobbie Mainoo emerging under Michael Carrick last season and the potential arrival of Carlos Baleba. But he drew a sharp line between “good” and “good enough to win the league”.

“I think that’s a good way of putting it, a good midfield,” Keane said when asked about Baleba’s impact on the squad. “But if you’re on about winning the league, I think it’s short.”

Keane pointed to last season’s attacking threat as proof that United already carry enough firepower higher up the pitch, particularly after Carrick took charge.

“That midfield and going forward, there is a big goal threat at United, they were very good last year with it, especially when Carrick took over they were a real goal threat.”

For him, the ceiling on this team is set by what happens when they have to defend.

“The issue is at the back, the full-backs and the two centre-halves are still a big issue,” he said. On paper, he accepts the midfield options “jump out as really good players”, but that doesn’t mean they can dominate a title race.

“Is there a league-winning midfield there? Probably not. No, I don’t see it.”

Keane also weighed in on the £35m move for Youri Tielemans. He welcomed United stepping away from the kind of huge wage commitments that defined the Casemiro deal, yet he framed the Belgian as a sensible piece rather than a transformative one.

“Tielemans is a safety bet for United,” Keane said. “Over the last few years, Casemiro is a good example, players have come in huge money, big wages. Tielemans knows the Premier League, is a good international, having gone to Old Trafford with Villa and had success he will be fine with the expectation. But will he get United to the very top? No.”

United, in Keane’s eyes, have finally stopped rolling the dice on ageing superstars. The question he leaves hanging is harsher: with doubts over the back four and only a “good” midfield to shield it, how far can that new prudence actually take them?