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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Man Utd stars risk the wrath of Roy Keane with Romelu Lukaku tunnel gesture

Romelu Lukaku reunited with plenty of former teammates as his Chelsea side headed to Old Trafford.

The Belgian, who was named on the bench, was seen shaking hands with several players in the tunnel as the two teams lined up before kick-off. Lukaku embraced Bruno Fernandes before the whistle blew whilst the likes of Marcus Rashford, David de Gea and Scott McTominay were all at United during his two-year spell and named in the starting XI.

Keane, who has been particularly scathing of his former side on several occasions, has previously slammed players who shake hands with players from the opposition before the game. The Irishman, who led United with huge success in the 1990s and early 2000s, was known for his intensity during his playing days.

He was a focused individual before games and the new approach has angered him, something he's been vocal about. Only last month he told the BBC : "When I see United games now, even against Arsenal, everyone's being nice to one another. Everyone's gone a bit soft." The current crop of stars have dropped well below expectations this term with United set to miss out on the top four and the Champions League, despite finishing second last term.

Marcus Rashford is among those whose level has dropped considerably. He was injured at the start of the campaign but, since his return, has struggled to rediscover his best form amid rumours he is considering his future. Keane said on Sky Sports about the out of form forward: "Every time I see Marcus getting warmed up, he's always smiling, I don't like players smiling too much.

"You smile when you score or do something. We always said when he first burst on the scene - he affects game. He doesn't affect games, he does very little. He's playing in the wider position tonight which will suit him."

Romelu Lukaku caught up with several Man Utd players in the tunnel (Sky Sports)

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Even at half-time Keane continued to deliver a scathing verdict on the Manchester outfit, who were second best for much of the opening 45. United were recently beaten by rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, conceding seven goals across the two games.

He said: "I just think that their heads are gone. There is no intensity, all season they have give up loads of chances, we are seeing that here again tonight. They are easy to play against, they don’t run back with intensity, they have already lost ten league games, and the season is not over yet, so I’m not surprised with what I have seen tonight. It is just reflecting where this group is physically, and mentally."

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