Manchester United icon Roy Keane launched another brutal rant in the direction of David De Gea after the Spaniard’s error almost cost the Red Devils dear against Everton in the FA Cup.
Brazilian wideman Antony gave the hosts the perfect start at Old Trafford, with a Conor Coady own-goal and a late penalty from Marcus Rashford sealing victory for Erik ten Hag’s men. The Toffees did briefly threaten a shock after Coady scored in the right net during the first-half following a howler from De Gea.
That mistake triggered yet more sensational comments from Keane as he tore into the former Atletico Madrid keeper. Mirror Sport takes a look at everything the Irishman has said about De Gea during his career at Old Trafford.
‘Carry On Football’
Following the Spaniard’s latest shocker, Keane elected to pull no punches by claiming that De Gea would not have looked out of place in the famous British comedy series Carry On. Speaking to ITV, he said: "It's a shocking mistake from an international goalkeeper.
"De Gea there is like Carry On football. He looks like he's had a few drinks. It's a shocking mistake.
"It's almost like a 'keeper has been sent off and an outfield player has gone in goal and he doesn't know what to do. It's a horrendous mistake."
The comments left fellow pundit and Arsenal icon Ian Wright in stitches.
Is Roy Keane unfair on David de Gea or is his criticism warranted? Share your thoughts in the comments below
‘Allowed back on the bus’
A comment that harked back to one of Keane’s most entertaining rants of recent years - and one that will be explored slightly later - the ex-midfielder shocked supporters by praising De Gea for an outstanding performance as United overcame Aston Villa nearly a year ago.
Speaking during half-time of that match, Keane said: "De Gea is back to his best and I am happy to give him credit for that.”
"David De Gea is allowed back on the bus,” he then joked.
‘Prove me wrong’
Having been a manager in the past, Keane was asked by fellow pundit Micah Richards what he would say to De Gea should he ever be appointed United boss and was typically straight to the point.
He said: "Alright - so the first thing, you'd walk into the club pull them two [De Gea and Maguire] and say 'I've been really critical – prove me wrong'. And that's the end of the conversation. If they get upset, no problem, players are upset all the time.
'And it's not about the players liking the manager. The most important thing is, you hope, that the players respect the manager.'
‘I give up on these players’
There have been a few embarrassing reverses at the hands of Manchester City over recent years for the Red Devils but Keane saved his most brutal comments for November 2021. United were 2-0 down at Old Trafford come half-time as Eric Bailly put through his own net before De Gea failed to deal with a close range Bernardo Silva effort and claimed that he was finally fed up.
Keane said: "Look at Shaw and De Gea. What chance have you got in this game?
“I’ve been cross with these fellas for years. I give up on these players. They are international footballers! I can't understand the defending...I'm driving down here thinking 'I wonder if Man United have got a chance, they're at home'.”
‘Not his biggest fan’
Another mistake against Everton, another brutal assessment from Keane, United were in fine fettle when they came up against the Toffees back in February 2021. The Red Devils were held to a 3-3 draw with De Gea sharing the blame for at least one of the opposition goals.
He said: "Particularly with the position they are in, they’ve got goals in their team but again defensively, particularly the goalkeeper, I’m certainly not his biggest fan.
"Two goals last night, the one thing you want from your goalkeeper is courage and he didn’t show that for the equalising goal. Not a good sign."
‘Swinging punches’
Arguably Keane’s most infamous rant sent in the direction of the Man Utd goalkeeper, the former midfielder was left spitting feathers after seeing the Red Devils fall 1-0 down to Steven Bergwijn’s goal for Tottenham at Old Trafford back in June 2020. With only 45 minutes played, Keane certainly took no prisoners by claiming he would have come to blows with the keeper, whilst he also would have forced him to make his own way home after the match.
"And I am sick to death of this goalkeeper,” he said. “I would be flying in at half time. I would be swinging punches at that guy.
"This is a standard save for a standard, international goalkeeper. I am flabbergasted. There's got to be some stuff going on at half-time.”
He added: "Maguire and De Gea, I wouldn't even let them on the bus after the game. Get a taxi back to Manchester."
‘I would have lynched him’
What is it about De Gea and mistakes against Everton? The Spaniard was once again at fault in March 2020 after his poor clearance slammed into Dominic Calvert-Lewin and flew into the Red Devils’ net.
Keane was left aghast at the error and claimed that he would have killed the stopper had he been United boss. He vowed: "As a manager or player I'd kill him! You'd kill him!
"He's a goalkeeper being too clever. He just takes too long. What is he waiting for?!
"If you're going to make a decision at least do it quickly. These are huge moments for United in terms of trying to get into the top four, and you've got your experienced goalkeeper... what is he waiting for?!
"I think there's almost a bit of arrogance to it, 'look at me...'. I would have lynched him at half-time. I'd have no time for that carry on."
