Five Man Utd players Roy Keane has hailed this season
Keane says the ease with which Fernandes settled into the Old Trafford environment marks him out as a top player, while he also noted that the rest of the squad were lifted by the former Sporting CP man’s presence.Keane noted Rashford as not just one of United’s key men, but also of the England national team, picking him alongside Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane as the go-to starters.Two who Keane has been quick to criticise in the past also came in for praise recently, with Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial rediscovering form and sharpness at a crucial time for United.
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Roy Keane is one of the most outspoken pundits in football and certainly one of the harshest critics of those he doesn’t feel is up to standard.

But the former skipper also has the awareness and eye for a player and what they’re capable of, and given the standards he judges by, it’s worth noting when he praises certain stand-out stars for Manchester United.

Harry Maguire

At the back, the Reds lacked a leader and some consistency previously, but Harry Maguire has proved a worthwhile addition, despite the expensive price tag.

The former Leicester man’s personality and defensive awareness were praised by Keane earlier in the season, while he also thinks he’s a good pick to captain the club, which speaks volumes.

"I can’t really fault him,” Keane said. “I don’t think he’s lightning-quick but he has other strengths and I think he’ll be a big, big player for Manchester United over the next few years. He’s been an excellent signing."

Maguire is one of several who should form the spine of the United team going forward, and he’s essentially the first building block in the side’s restructuring.

Bruno Fernandes

The January signing has been a massive hit, with Bruno Fernandes quickly showing the technical ability to make a difference at the top end of the Premier League.

Keane says the ease with which Fernandes settled into the Old Trafford environment marks him out as a top player, while he also noted that the rest of the squad were lifted by the former Sporting CP man’s presence.

“The fact is he’s actually scored a couple of goals and there are set pieces, he’s got a little bit of arrogance about him, he comes across well, he speaks good English and everyone’s speaking very highly of him,” Keane noted.

“We often talk about players taking time to settle at a club - it’s not taken him long has it? Maybe that’s the sign of a good player.”

One big question mark for the future is over how Fernandes and Paul Pogba link up, but great players often find a way to work well alongside each other. Fernandes is showing that’s exactly what he is.

Marcus Rashford

At the top end of the pitch, Marcus Rashford was enjoying the increased responsibility of being a regular starter and scorer before his injury.

Keane noted that the manner and confidence of Rashford’s goals were what marked him out as being back in form and a danger to opposition defences.

“He is back to his best,” Keane said in November. “It was a lovely play [for his England goals], nice and simple. Does it matter about the opposition? Of course it does, because they're getting opportunities, but that was the goal of the night. A lovely finish. Pure quality.”

Keane noted Rashford as not just one of United’s key men, but also of the England national team, picking him alongside Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane as the go-to starters.

Rashford has always been a capable finisher, and has also benefited from being able to carve out his own chances as well as link with others.

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Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial

Two who Keane has been quick to criticise in the past also came in for praise recently, with Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial rediscovering form and sharpness at a crucial time for United.

Keane acknowledged he had been hard on them previously, particularly after their displays in the derby win over Man City.

“They’ve been under a lot of pressure and a lot of criticism over the past years,” Keane noted.

“I’ve been critical of some of the players. But people like Shaw and Martial, you know, they’ve done well today. I have to give credit for that.”

As ever, consistency is king when it comes to earning Keane’s undying admiration, but he’s certainly not afraid to change his mind when players prove they deserve it.