🚨 Roy Keane Impressed: Hails Man United’s New Signings vs Arsenal as “Smart Deals at Last” 🔴💰👀
Manchester United’s 2025 pre-season clash with Arsenal wasn’t just another friendly to fine-tune fitness — it was a test of progress, identity, and ambition. For the first time in years, United’s new signings looked cohesive, purposeful, and, most importantly, effective against elite opposition. Among those impressed was none other than club legend Roy Keane, who is rarely shy of criticism but this time delivered rare praise, declaring:
“I liked what I saw. United have finally made some smart deals.”
For supporters who have grown used to Keane’s brutally honest — and often damning — verdicts, this was significant. The Irishman, who captained United during one of their most successful eras under Sir Alex Ferguson, has often accused the club of wasting money and lacking clear direction in recruitment. His positive words suggest that the tide may finally be turning.
United’s Longstanding Transfer Woes
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, Manchester United’s transfer strategy has been under constant scrutiny. While huge sums were spent, the returns were inconsistent at best. The club broke records for players like Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire, and Ángel Di María, yet few of these signings truly lived up to their price tags.
For years, critics — including Keane himself — argued that United lacked a coherent recruitment policy. Expensive, big-name arrivals often felt like panic buys rather than part of a long-term project. The result was an unbalanced squad, short-term fixes, and a cycle of underachievement.
Keane was often at the forefront of this criticism, famously saying:
“This club has spent a fortune but they don’t look any closer to winning titles. It’s not just about throwing money at problems; it’s about signing the right players.”
For Keane to now praise the club’s latest acquisitions represents a striking change in tone.
The Arsenal Match: A Showcase for New Arrivals
The 2-1 victory over Arsenal in pre-season was not about the scoreline, but about the performance of United’s new signings. Under Ruben Amorim, United fielded several fresh faces who immediately looked at home in the system.
Some standout moments included:
- Benjamin Šeško, the Slovenian striker, showcased his athleticism and lethal finishing with a well-taken goal. His movement troubled Arsenal’s backline, and his chemistry with Bruno Fernandes suggested a promising partnership.
- The €97 million midfielder (whose arrival dominated headlines recently) controlled the tempo in midfield, offering both defensive cover and incisive passing. His ability to dictate play against Arsenal’s strong midfield was particularly encouraging.
- A versatile full-back addition (another of Amorim’s summer signings) added energy on the flanks, combining defensive solidity with dangerous overlapping runs.
For Keane, the key difference was that these signings fit into a clear tactical plan. Rather than being flashy individuals, they looked like pieces of a puzzle Amorim is carefully building.
Keane’s Reaction
After the game, Keane shared his thoughts on Sky Sports:
“I liked what I saw from the new lads. They look hungry, they look like they’ve been brought in for a purpose. United have finally made some smart deals, and that’s what’s been missing for a long time.”
Keane’s use of the phrase “smart deals” is telling. For him, intelligence in recruitment has always been about value, character, and suitability, not just price. He has often criticized United for ignoring work ethic and mentality in favor of big reputations.
By praising these signings, Keane is essentially acknowledging that Amorim and the new football structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS project are making shrewd decisions that align with the club’s needs.
A Shift in Strategy Under INEOS
United’s improved recruitment strategy is no accident. The arrival of INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has restructured the club’s footballing operations. For years, United were criticized for having too much commercial influence in player recruitment, with football decisions overshadowed by marketing value.
Now, with Ratcliffe’s influence and Amorim’s tactical clarity, the club has prioritized young, hungry, and tactically adaptable players. Instead of chasing superstars past their prime, United are targeting players who can grow with the project.
Keane himself hinted at this shift:
“The club looks like it finally knows what it’s doing. You don’t just buy players for the sake of it — you buy players who will make the team better. And these lads look like they will.”
Why Keane’s Words Matter
Roy Keane is not easily impressed. He has built a reputation as one of football’s harshest pundits, unafraid to criticize managers, players, and even his beloved Manchester United. For years, fans could almost predict his post-match comments: questioning the squad’s character, doubting their fight, and demanding higher standards.
So when Keane offers praise, it carries weight. His stamp of approval suggests that United are finally moving in the right direction, not just in terms of results, but in mentality and recruitment.
For the fanbase, Keane’s positive words will resonate deeply. Many supporters share his frustrations about wasted money and poor planning in past transfer windows. Hearing him say the club has finally made “smart deals” will fuel optimism ahead of the new season.
The Role of Ruben Amorim
It’s impossible to separate this progress from the arrival of manager Ruben Amorim. Known for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on structured pressing systems, Amorim has already left his mark.
Unlike previous managers who struggled to impose a clear identity, Amorim has quickly introduced a style of play that maximizes the strengths of his squad. The new signings were clearly chosen to fit his system — not the other way around.
Keane also acknowledged Amorim’s impact, noting that the team looked more organized, energetic, and united than in previous pre-seasons. If the manager can translate this cohesion into competitive fixtures, United may finally be able to challenge consistently at the top level.
Rival Fans and Media Reaction
While United fans bask in Keane’s rare praise, rival fans have been less enthusiastic. Some argue that it’s “only pre-season” and warn that it’s too early to judge whether the new signings are truly “smart deals.” Others suggest that the €97 million spent on midfield reinforcement is a gamble that may not pay off.
The media, however, has largely echoed Keane’s sentiment, noting that United appear to have learned from past mistakes. Headlines across British sports outlets praised the club for “recruiting with purpose” and “building for the future.”
Looking Ahead
The question now is whether these smart deals will translate into tangible success. For all the optimism, Manchester United remain a work in progress. The Premier League season will provide the ultimate test, with rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool all strengthening their squads.
However, with Šeško leading the line, a €97 million midfielder anchoring the team, and Amorim’s tactical clarity, there is growing belief that United are finally assembling a squad capable of competing.
Roy Keane’s words serve as both encouragement and a warning. Smart deals are the foundation, but consistent performances, mentality, and silverware are the ultimate goals.
Conclusion
Roy Keane’s verdict on Manchester United’s new signings against Arsenal was short but powerful: “United have finally made some smart deals.” For a man who has long criticized the club’s transfer missteps, this praise is significant.
It signals that United, under Ruben Amorim and the INEOS project, are beginning to get recruitment right. The new arrivals look like purposeful additions, capable of transforming the team’s style and competitiveness.
For United fans, Keane’s words are a rare dose of optimism from a club legend whose standards remain sky-high. For the players, it is motivation to live up to the tag of being part of United’s new era of “smart deals.”
The challenge now is clear: turn pre-season promise into season-long consistency.
