Keane attacks Man United stars who ‘got’ Mourinho sacked

Roy Keane has accused modern footballers of being ‘weak human beings’ and blamed the misfiring Manchester United stars for Jose Mourinho’s sacking. Mourinho was given the boot at Old Trafford this week after a poor start to the campaign, punctuated by high-profile rows with key players.

The former captain believes many ‘get away with murder’ and downed tools under their former manager this season.Keane launched into an extraordinary tirade, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘I think the players obviously get away with murder. Just the way they hide behind their manager. Whatever you say about the players they’ve thrown him under the bus. 

“And people said Mourinho has been falling out with players, well you would fall out with players when they turn up overweight, when players aren’t training properly and not producing, and then for some of them to down tools.“Shame on some of those players. I’m not Mourinho’s biggest fan, don’t get me wrong, but I can’t tolerate footballers who just hide behind their agent, their pals in the media. Bit of a joke really.’

He moved on to attack the mentality of not just the United squad, but that of the modern player.“I suppose you could say I’m a bit old school. I don’t call it old school, I call it good school. “No matter what’s going on at your club, when you get out on that pitch, particularly at a big club like United, you go out and give it your all. No excuses. 

“So this idea that these players who are maybe a little bit upset, and not just at United, trust me the modern player they’re not just weak players, they’re very weak human beings. You can’t say a word to them. 

“I know the game has changed a little bit, but the players do get away with murder and it’s really frustrating. “It wouldn’t have happened in our dressing room because of the fact we have good characters and good leaders. We wouldn’t have tolerated lads not putting a shift in.’