Keane warns United must embrace change to prosper

Roy Keane reckons Manchester United’s current difficulties also represent an opportunity for his old club — as long as they are prepared to embrace change.

“I think Man United need five or six players,” said Ireland’s assistant manager. “If it happens in the summer, then instead of being fearful of it, embrace it — it’s exciting. These can be exciting times for Man United. Get them back to the very top where they belong. They’ve kind of cut corners in terms of transfers in the last few years, they’ve not gone out and got the big players, and it’s just caught up with them this year.”

And though Keane doesn’t see United claiming the Champions League this season, he reckons they can still be a threat in the competition.

“I think beating Olympiakos will be the priority,” he said. “On form at this moment in time you have to say the Champions League is a long way off for Manchester United. But lots will change over the next few months.

“I think United will beat Olympiakos. They’ll have Rooney, Van Persie back after injuries. At this moment in time, would I fancy United for the Champions League? Probably not. But they’re still a threat, they’re still there. Big team, big players and in a couple of months’ time when the big players are back up to speed with their fitness, United will be a dangerous team.”

Keane also believes that, come what may at Old Trafford this season, United should stick with David Moyes.

“I think the man deserves plenty of time,” he told ITV. “I think people have been afraid to use the word that there might be ‘rebuilding’ going on but that’s exactly the word I would use.”