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ROY KEANE has blasted Manchester United’s players for picking and choosing when they turn up. The Red Devils picked up a much-needed point last Sunday thanks to a 2-2 draw against bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield.Manchester United secured a much-needed point against LiverpoolCredit: GETTYUnited fans were blown away by their display at AnfieldCredit: EPABut club legend Roy Keane has blasted Ruben Amorim’s troops for their lack of consistencyCredit: GETTYRuben Amorim’s side gave the league leaders a real run for their money and should’ve left Anfield with all three points.Club legend Keane was impressed by the performance but was quick to stick the boot into the players for not being consistent with their displays.The Sky Sports pundit said: “We have seen these performances from them before but the problem is they don’t do it week in week out.”They are very inconsistent. Look at the league table and the goals against. It’s so bad it’s unbelievable.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”You ask for honesty from your group of players…but I don’t think this group of players are honest.”If you’re not putting in a performance week in week out there is something amiss.”But look, it was surprise to me. They turned up. They showed a bit of passion.”They done it at City recently. You can’t just pick and choose when you want to turn up when you’re Man United.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManchester United boss Ruben Amorim shares Roy Keane’s frustrationsCredit: GettyKeane’s frustrations were echoed by Amorim, who said: “I get more mad because of the other games.”It’s even harder to understand some things.Antony branded ‘most unintentionally funny guy’ after footage of Man Utd star celebrating against Liverpool emerges “This is not about the system, the technique, it’s about something else…”I am upset today, really upset. I am pleased with the performance but everyone today is going to say that the team did a good job.”Today I am allowed to be the only guy upset with the team — but today we were a team.”We had some good games during this last month but then we dropped again.”It’s something that we need to be really consistent.”We had this talk after (winning against) Manchester City, it was the same.”I want to see my team play so much better.”But I think the most important thing to address today is the mentality and that is the key for everything.”Today we were a different team not because of the system, not because of a technical or tactical aspect.”We faced the competition in the way we are supposed to face every day.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Training and match, it doesn’t match the place, the opponent, we need to face every day like that.”Manchester United will be back in action on Sunday, travelling to the Emirates to take on Arsenal in their FA Cup third-round tie. More

MAN UTD supporters are convinced Ruben Amorim’s side should have had a penalty in Sunday’s clash with Liverpool. The Red Devils battled back to a 2-2 draw against the Premier League leaders at a rain-sodden Anfield. Matthijs de Ligt conceded a penalty against Liverpool for an outstretched armCredit: ReutersUnited fans were fuming after Ryan Gravenberch appeared to handle in the area – but nothing was givenLisandro Martinez slammed the visitors ahead just after the break on Merseyside. Cody Gakpo equalised shortly after for the Reds, before United centre-back Matthijs De Ligt was adjudged to have handled in the area. Liverpool’s Mo Salah stepped up to convert the penalty – but eagle-eyed United fans were adamant they should later have had a spot-kick of their own.Shortly afterward and trailing 2-1, Amad Diallo swung in a delicious cross following a short corner routine.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAs United players attacked the delivery, the ball appeared to hit Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch on the arm as he grappled with Rasmus Hojlund. There were big appeals from United players and fans in the ground, but the Reds managed to scramble the ball away. Sky Sports cameras didn’t replay the incident, with VAR also dismissing the claim and not following it up with referee Michael Oliver.One fan raged on X: “Just seen this clip again… why didn’t we get a penalty for this if the De Ligt one was given? Wasn’t even checked, and Sky Sports didn’t replay it even once.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother claimed: “If this game had fair officiating we would’ve won.”A third added: “Handball or no? Could have been a penalty for United but again was missed out by VAR despite appeals from United players.”‘He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdAnd a fourth argued: “These inconsistencies are the problem, it wasn’t even checked.”But a fifth countered: “I’m obviously biased but that clearly comes of Hojlund’s hand IMO. I’m not sure what you are seeing.”Despite not being given a spot-kick, United levelled things up late on through Diallo to take a point back down the M62.After the game, goal hero Martinez gave an honest assessment of the Red Devils’ recent form.And he claimed the hard-fought draw could be a turning point in United’s stuttering season.Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.Martinez told the BBC: “Today we changed the mindset, the belief, the confidence.”I saw everyone secure today with confidence, in every duel, with the ball, defending.”We really enjoyed the game today.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sometimes when we had the ball a few games ago, we were stressed, thinking too much and today we played without feelings.”When you play like that you can enjoy football.” More

JULEN LOPETEGUI is under increasing pressure at West Ham after technical director Tim Steidten stepped back from the training ground.Lopetegui and Steidten’s already tense relationship has deteriorated with the club frustrated with both figures.West Ham technical director Tim Steidten (left) has stepped away from the training ground amid a rift with boss Julen LopeteguiCredit: PASteidten also fell out with former boss David Moyes late last seasonCredit: PAIt is not clear whether the Spanish boss will be in charge for the next Premier League game, at home to Fulham next Tuesday.West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night before returning to Premier League action.Furthermore, Steidten’s influence on the January market has been diluted as chairman David Sullivan takes a leading role in the transfer window.Steidten, 45, was part of the process when West Ham were considering replacements for Lopetegui last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Hammers chief was involved in discussions with Graham Potter as well as a number of other managers, though the East Londoners decided to give their manager a stay of execution.Lopetegui’s position remains under scrutiny and conceding ten goals in the last two games has not helped his standing.Steidten, appointed in 2023, has opted to steer clear of the Rush Green base to focus on the January window and allow Lopetegui the space to focus on the squad.His role in sounding out replacements, as well as the club’s poor form, has led to a tense relationship between the pair.Most read in FootballWhat’s Steidten’s role at West Ham TIM STEIDTEN is West Ham’s Technical Director.When he was appointed to the role in July 2023, this is how the club explained the position: “Steidten will be responsible for the Club’s overarching player recruitment strategy and scouting department, working closely with Manager David Moyes and Sporting Director Mark Noble.”The Technical Director role has been implemented as part of the Club’s continued growth strategy and comes at a key moment in West Ham United’s history, with the Hammers’ victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League earlier this month securing a third successive season in European competition.”The club were full of praise for Steidten after his arrival, saying: “One of the game’s most-admired football administrators, 44-year-old Steidten brings his own added experience of European football to East London, having previously fulfilled a similar role with Bayer 04 Leverkusen in his native Germany, at a time when the Hammers are enjoying a sustained period of success at both first team and Academy level.”Arriving at Leverkusen from Werder Bremen in June 2019, Steidten was responsible for overseeing a pivotal period in the Club’s history, with his data-led approach to scouting yielding some immediate positive results in the transfer market, recruiting a number of unheralded gems, before nurturing them into highly-coveted stars.”His arrival is set to complement the strong existing UEFA Europa Conference League winning squad on and off the pitch, with further significant experience and expertise.”Joint-Chair David Sullivan said at the time of Steidten’s appointment: “Our goal when we became custodians of West Ham United and moved to London Stadium was to bring silverware to this incredible Club and to regularly compete in European football. We’ve enjoyed some fantastic times in recent seasons, and we aim to continue to grow and evolve across all areas of the Club. Tim’s appointment is key to our wider plans to drive our football strategy forward. We are delighted to welcome such a well-respected name in the game to the Club.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham, under Steidten’s leadership, spent £127.5million, in the summer window but sit 14th in the Premier League with just six wins all season.The German, who previously worked at Bayer Leverkusen, also had a poor relationship with former manager David Moyes.West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashSteidten was asked to stay away from the first team dressing room at the London Stadium towards the end of last season.Asked about that decision at the time, Moyes said: “I’ve said before that Tim has his job to do but managers have their boundaries and I have my boundaries.”West Ham are keen to be active in the January window following the loss of Michail Antonio for the season and Jarrod Bowen for six weeks.The Hammers want to add a striker and central midfielder on loan.Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been considered but the Seagulls will wait until the end of the window to make a decision on whether or not to loan him out.Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who almost moved to the London Stadium in the summer, is on their radar once more. More

GERMAN club SSV Reutlingen have announced the shock death of player Luca Meixner.The 22-year-old was found dead in his bed over the festive period. SSV Reutlingen star Luca Meixner has died aged 22Credit: Instagram @ssvreutlingen05Meixner broke into SSV’s first team in 2021 and has played for the club since he was a youngster. A statement from Ruetlingen on Instagram read: “Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner died unexpectedly on Friday, December 27th at the age of 22. “The entire SSV family is deeply saddened and stunned. “His teammates, all committees and employees mourn with Luca’s bereaved family and our thoughts are with his family, friends and companions. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We ask that the privacy of Luca’s family be respected during this difficult time.”Meixner began his career in SSV’s youth teams, breaking into the under-17 ranks in 2017.He made his first-team debut four years later, going on to appear 100 times for the club and scoring 6 goals.Germany football is currently in a winter break, with Reutlingen’s last game on December 7.Most read in FootballMeixner started the contest, playing 87 minutes in a 1-1 draw.His cause of death has not been declared. SSV have featured in the Oberliga Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany’s fifth tier, for the past nine seasons.They currently sit 10th in the league, with 25 points from 20 games.Clubs from across the German pyramid have begun to send condolences to Reutlingen and Meixner’s family.Sonnenhof Grossaspach, a fellow fifth-tier club, wrote: “Our heartfelt condolences and lots of strength in this difficult time.”Goppinger SV added: “Much strength to the entire club.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More