Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United, accusing the club of hiding behind controversy after their defeat to Leeds United.
The former United captain did not mince words following the heated clash, where a red card shown to Lisandro Martínez became the dominant talking point. But for Keane, the outrage surrounding the decision misses the bigger picture.
Instead, he branded the reaction from United as a “distraction”, insisting the players and staff should be far more concerned about their performance than the referee’s call.
Martínez was dismissed after an off-the-ball incident involving a pull on his opponent, with VAR intervening to upgrade the punishment. While the decision divided opinion, Keane made it clear that focusing on it was simply deflecting from deeper issues within the team.
United were already trailing when the incident occurred, and Keane pointed out that the damage had long been done before the red card changed the game’s dynamics.
“You can’t keep pointing fingers,” Keane suggested. “Look at yourselves, look at the performance.”
Meanwhile, Leeds United deservedly took the spotlight for their intensity and clinical edge, securing a famous result against their historic rivals. Their energy and sharpness exposed a United side that once again struggled to match the demands of a high-tempo contest.
Keane’s criticism goes beyond a single match. It reflects growing concerns about United’s mentality — a team too quick to focus on officiating decisions rather than accountability on the pitch.
For Manchester United, the message is clear: the red card may dominate headlines, but it’s their performance that should raise the biggest questions.














