Bruno Fernandes and Roy Keane Agree on Manchester United’s Striking Issue vs Man City
Lack of ‘killer instinct’ continues to haunt United as they draw 0-0 in Manchester derby
Manchester United were left frustrated after their 0-0 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Despite controlling much of the match and creating a number of promising opportunities, United’s inability to finish the chances they carved out was once again exposed. Both Bruno Fernandes and Roy Keane highlighted the same issue as the main problem for United: the lack of a clinical, “killer instinct” in front of goal.
Bruno Fernandes, who was named Man of the Match for his performance, expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to be ruthless when opportunities arose. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Fernandes said, “We just need to have a bit more of a killer instinct. In the first half we had too many touches when we just needed one. We were patient, very organised, but the killer instinct was missing today.” His words echoed a sentiment felt by many, as United repeatedly squandered chances in the final third.
Roy Keane, the former United captain, was quick to agree with Fernandes, stressing that the team’s inability to be a consistent goal threat is a major issue. Keane argued that United’s current strikers are not up to the standard expected at a club like Manchester United. “The couple of strikers United have at the club are not good enough for Man United, but there are other players on the team. There are wide players, defenders can score goals, there are set pieces. United can still be more of a goal threat,” Keane said. He also pointed out that United should not be struggling to score against teams lower in the table, stressing that more players need to step up and take responsibility in front of goal.
This problem of lack of clinical finishing has been a recurring theme for United throughout the season. Even with the addition of young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, who have shown promise, they still seem to lack the sharpness and composure required to finish off chances with consistency. The club’s failure to convert even the most straightforward opportunities, coupled with the absence of a natural goalscorer, has left them playing catch-up in the race for top honors.
As United’s search for improvements continues, Fernandes and Keane both emphasized the need for United to strengthen their attacking options. Keane suggested that a player capable of scoring goals from various positions—whether a striker, winger, or even a defender—could make all the difference. He also urged players to take more risks and show courage in front of goal, rather than overthinking their finishing.
With Manchester United’s attacking struggles continuing to hinder their progress, the need for a natural, ruthless finisher in the summer transfer window becomes even more pressing. A striker capable of converting chances with ease is desperately needed at Old Trafford to help the team reclaim its status among the elite in English football.
This lack of clinical finishing is not just a one-off issue; it is a fundamental problem that has been present throughout the season. Until United find a way to address this issue, they will continue to struggle in matches like these, where the points are there for the taking. The upcoming summer transfer window could be the key to solving this problem, with fans and pundits alike calling for significant changes in the attacking ranks to bring the club back to its
former glory.
