Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has reignited debate over United’s midfield struggles by claiming Scott McTominay’s career at Old Trafford was “tarnished” by Fred, his former midfield partner.
Speaking on The Overlap, Keane didn’t hold back:
> “What didn’t help Scott was it was him and Fred together. It just wasn’t a good combo… McFred wasn’t it.”
Keane suggested McTominay had potential that was overshadowed by a dysfunctional midfield setup under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, with Fred — now at Fenerbahçe — dragging down the Scotsman’s performances and reputation. Keane acknowledged McTominay’s improvement, pointing out his 11 goals and 4 assists for Serie A leaders Napoli, but stopped short of saying United made a mistake letting him go.
> “You can’t keep everyone… I think McTominay could have been in the group, 100%. But playing every week? United haven’t brought in better, and that’s the issue.”
McTominay, for his part, has embraced Napoli, calling it the “place I love” and declaring he has “no regrets” about the move.
As United’s midfield continues to struggle and Napoli soar, Keane’s comments may ignite further criticism of the club’s past recruitment strategy — and rekindle questions over whether “McFred” was ever more than a misgu
ided patchwork.
