ROY KEANE says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will return the 'feelgood factor' to Manchester United - but he accused the club's current stars of being 'weak human beings.'
The Corkman was part of the United treble winning side of 1999 along with Solskjaer and he says the dressing room today lacks the character and commitment of that era.
Solskjaer has rejoined the club following Jose Mourinho's sacking on Tuesday and Keane expects the mood around the camp will receive an immediate lift. But he has warned that the shortcomings of the current squad will be harder to iron out.
Jose Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United this week following the club's worst start to a season in 28 years. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)He said: "No doubt Ole will get the feelgood factor back in there in training. He has brought Mickey Phelan in, that is a good move.
"It’s a big challenge for Ole, but I think in the short-term, the players will react to it and I expect them to win the next few matches. They are fixtures Manchester United should be winning.
"I do think the players obviously get away with murder. The way they hide behind the manager, and Mourinho, whatever you say about the players, they've thrown him under the bus.
"I was very lucky with the dressing room I was in,” he told BBC Sport. “They were good men, good leaders and characters, but that is in short supply in the game now. It would not have happened in our dressing room. We would not have tolerated lads not putting a shift in.
21 Apr 1999: Manchester United captain Roy Keane wheels away after scoring in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match against Juventus at the Stadio delle Alpi in Turin, Italy. United won 3-2 on the night to go through 4-3 on aggregate. Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport"They’re not just weak players, they’re very weak human beings. You can’t say a word to them."
Solskjaer developed a reputation as super sub during his 11 year playing stint at the club and that perspective makes him more sympathetic and conciliatory to those currently on the fringes.
He said: “I’ll sit down and speak to the ones not playing and [tell them] what I expect of them. There are a set of demands and one of them is to be a team player. I don’t think anyone has been on the bench more than me!
“You might come on and make an impact. Grab your chance when you get it. They all will get a chance."
👋 Say hello to #MUFC's new coaching team! pic.twitter.com/o1zfLIvwis
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