LONDON: Roy Keane clearly disagreed with Harry Maguire’s claim that Manchester United showed “great character” in their dramatic win over Coventry City late last night.
His former team The Red Devils managed to avoid disaster when they beat the Sky Blues on penalties to set up an English FA Cup final clash with Manchester City.
But it was after the Champions League club came from 3-0 down to force extra-time and then had a late goal disallowed for offside to deny them a historic victory.
United look set for a repeat of last year’s final thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.
Ellis Simms pulled one back in the 71st minute before Callum O’Hare fired in a thrilling finish with 11 minutes remaining.
Haji Wright then calmly slotted in a penalty kick in stoppage time to extend the action to extra time.
Victor Torp’s goal in the 120th minute was disallowed for offside in the early going as United were fortunate the action was decided by a penalty kick.
After the game, goalscorer Maguire said: “We found a way.
“We started really well and then conceded an easy goal. We were unlucky to concede the second goal and I thought the penalty was too cruel.
“Then I don’t know, it looked like the world wanted Coventry to qualify and they did. We showed great character to deal with it and it was important to win the penalty shootout.”
But Keane did not immediately agree with Maguire’s opinion when he spoke to fellow commentators in the ITV studios.
The Irishman said: “We have the same discussions every week about Manchester United, you never know what you’re going to get.
“I look at the goalkeeper, delaying time. Just keep going. Show courage.
Keane also said: “Maguire was interviewed after the game and said they showed great character, I don’t see any character in this group of players, I don’t.
“It’s almost to the point where I almost don’t like them. I see a group with a bad attitude, they’re almost scared to win games.
“There were big problems for Manchester United when attacking but they did their job.
“In extra time Coventry looked like a Premier League team while Manchester United looked like a Championship League team.”