14 May 2023 , 16:08
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Roy Keane has left Erik ten Hag 's summer transfer plans in tatters after launching a full frontal blast of potential Manchester United target Jordan Pickford.
Pickford has been touted as a potential replacement for David de Gea if the Spaniard does not sign a new contract at Old Trafford. His current deal expires at the end of the season, with no sign of progress in talks over an extension for Ten Hag's No 1.
If he does depart, the United boss will need to find a new first-choice keeper, with Pickford one of the names thought to be on his shopping list. Everton 's stand-in captain has performed well for England under Gareth Southgate, but has kept just seven clean sheets for the Toffees this term.
He has also conceded 56 goals in all competitions, with Everton at real risk of relegation from the Premier League. Three of those goals came in Sunday's defeat to Manchester City, with Ilkay Gundogan scoring twice.
His second strike came from a free-kick on the edge of the box, with Pickford setting himself up on the opposite side. That left ample space for Gundogan to lift the ball into the top corner, with Keane blasting Pickford for the standard of his goalkeeping.
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"Pickford for the goal, my goodness, looks so small in there. There's no spring, he's not anticipating. Micah [Richards] said before the game he's a top goalkeeper - he's not," Keane told Sky Sports.
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Keane took aim at Pickford for his failure to prevent Ilkay Gundogan scoring this free-kick (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)"It’s been tough going. In the last couple of games it’s been easier for Everton away from home - Brighton and at Leicester, playing on the counter attack, but at home there’s obviously more emotions involved.
"There’s more tension, there’s more nerves, and soon as the first goal goes in you think it’s a long way back for Everton. Sean Dyche will be disappointed but they’ll write it off, they know they’ve got the big games coming up next week."
Pickford arguably should have also given away a penalty when he appeared to punch Erling Haaland in the face when challenging for a high ball, though referee Anthony Taylor opted against pointing to the spot.
It was a miserable day for the Englishman and comes in the same week that he was linked with a summer move to Old Trafford. As Mirror Football reported on Thursday, United have been lining up a bid for Pickford.
Ten Hag is favouring a move for the England star over his other targets and is prepared to offer him a significant pay increase. The Red Devils will also be able to offer him the chance of challenging for silverware following an impressive first season under their new boss.
But Ten Hag's plans of moving for Pickford appear to have been ripped to shreds by Keane. His brutal verdict of Pickford's performance against City is likely to be a serious blow to his hopes of joining the Red Devils.