12.3 C
Manchester
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Other SportsMan United: Villa and Spurs 'worried' by Premier League table, says Roy...

Man United: Villa and Spurs ‘worried’ by Premier League table, says Roy Keane

Roy Keane says Aston Villa and Tottenham will be “worried” by Manchester United’s improved form after Erik ten Hag’s side beat the Villans to give their hopes of qualifying for the Uefa Champions League a lift.

Scott McTominay’s 86th-minute header closed the gap between United and fifth-placed Villa to five points as the visitors won 2-1 at Villa Park.

Fifth place in the Premier League is likely to be enough for a Champions League spot in 2024/25, and United are a further point behind fourth-placed Spurs after a third successive top-flight victory.

“It’s a big win,” said former United captain Keane. “It’s a huge, huge goal for Manchester United.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Super Bowl LVIII: Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers Preview
Phillips: Manchester City stint ‘pushed me away’ from football
England spinner Leach ruled out of India series

“They’ve got that momentum. The teams above them – particularly Villa and Tottenham – will be worried. They’re scoring goals and the signs look better than they did a couple of months ago.”

Man United must ‘catch up’ – Ten Hag

United endured a poor first half of the season but are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions since a 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on December 30, although they were also five points shy of fifth at that point.

Their performances have not been entirely convincing, including a draw with Spurs, a last-gasp win at Wolves and a scare at fourth-tier Newport County in the FA Cup.

“We have to catch up,” Ten Hag said of the Premier League table. “We’ve known for a long time that we got ourselves in this situation.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A POST SHARED BY MANCHESTER UNITED (@MANCHESTERUNITED)

“There are many games to play but we are returning. There is a long way to go and we have to play our game.

“We have to go from game to game. We can’t lay back. When we were winning the game, we gave away the initiative.

“We wanted to stay on the front foot, keep the initiative and score a second goal. The spirit is there and we kept the belief to get the win.”

Ten Hag praised McTominay as an “example for many other players nowadays” after the midfielder scored shortly after entering as a substitute.

“There are not many players who can come off the bench and bring this energy,” he said. “He is ready for every minute – always contributing.

“Football is a team sport and we often forget that. Scott is always giving the spirit. In the week, when he is training, he is… always doing the right things, working on himself, giving the max.

“He’s ready for one minute or 90 minutes. It’s great to have such a player.”

Latest

Tees Valley International Film Festival to Premiere “3 Peaks 3 Pots” This November

The eagerly awaited documentary 3 Peaks 3 Pots will have its first screening on 6 November 2025 at ARC Stockton, marking one of the...

The green fleet: Sourcing affordable EVs at car auctions

The used electric vehicle market is experiencing unprecedented growth across the UK, with government data showing that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 20% of all new car...

Timberwise Boss Reveals Five Costly Issues Buyers of Older Homes Should Know

A leading voice in property care has revealed the five most widespread and expensive issues that often arise when people purchase older homes. George Edwards,...

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

FREESMO Leads the Way with Smarter Smoke-Free Choices Through Trusted Questionnaire

As the smoke-free sector continues to grow and diversify, FREESMO is highlighting the importance of its Smoke-Free Questionnaire – a tried and tested tool...

Choosing reliable vehicle financing for families in Manchester

When it comes to securing vehicle financing for your family, reliability is essential. Families need to consider the long-term impact of their financial decisions,...

The green fleet: Sourcing affordable EVs at car auctions

The used electric vehicle market is experiencing unprecedented growth across the UK, with government data showing that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 20% of all new car...

Timberwise Boss Reveals Five Costly Issues Buyers of Older Homes Should Know

A leading voice in property care has revealed the five most widespread and expensive issues that often arise when people purchase older homes. George Edwards,...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...