OPINION Roy Keane’s scathing Manchester United verdict still rings true ahead of Europa League return.

Manchester United return to Europa League action Thursday evening against Real Sociedad.

Roy Keane, a Manchester United icon, isn’t hesitant to speak his thoughts, and his harsh critique of a Europa League match earlier this season remains relevant. The United legend was enraged by Christian Eriksen’s comments following the 1-1 Europa League tie at Old Trafford against FC Twente in September. According to Keane, the Reds midfielder said that the Eredivisie team “wanted it more” than United, which is unforgivable. “When players are coming out after the [FC Twente match] and going, ‘I think they might’ve wanted it more than us’, I kind of gave up at that stage,” Keane said on an episode of Stick to Football.

“If that’s the noise coming out of the dressing room, it’s no surprise the manager is in trouble.” No wonder they’re not going to win football games.” Erik ten Hag was fired of his duties the following month after a bad start to the season, and Ruben Amorim was named as the new head coach. The Portuguese head coach has faced a baptism of fire as he attempts to turn around United’s season.

The Reds were knocked out of the FA Cup against Fulham at the weekend, after also been eliminated from the League Cup earlier this season. Their poor form in the top tier means a return to European football is unlikely unless they win the Europa League.