Roy Keane has given a withering verdict on the presentation of an award to Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea before their Premier League clash with Liverpool.
The former United captain was unimpressed with the timing of the presentation, which took place just before kick-off at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Keane, who is now a pundit for Sky Sports, said the award should have been presented at a different time, and that it was “disrespectful” to the players and the fans.
He also took a swipe at De Gea, who has been criticised for his performances this season, saying that the award was “a bit of a distraction”.
“I think it was a bit of a distraction,” Keane said. “I think it was a bit disrespectful to the players and the fans.
“I think it should have been done before the game or after the game. I think it was a bit of a distraction.
“I think it was a bit of a distraction for David de Gea. He’s had a difficult season, he’s had a lot of criticism, and I think it was a bit of a distraction for him.”
Keane’s comments come after a difficult season for De Gea, who has been criticised for his performances and has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
The Spaniard has been in and out of the team this season, and has been replaced by Dean Henderson in recent weeks.
Keane’s comments are likely to add to the pressure on De Gea, who is under increasing scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
The former United captain has been critical of De Gea in the past, and his latest comments will only add to the pressure on the goalkeeper.
It remains to be seen whether De Gea will be able to turn his form around and prove his critics wrong, but for now, Keane’s comments will only add to the scrutiny on the Spaniard.
