Roy Keane makes feelings clear on wearing poppy after Joey Barton called him out

On social media, the former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder said: "Why has Roy Keane got a Poppy on?"

The poppy, a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, is traditionally worn by television personalities throughout November.

Keane's steadfast commitment to this British tradition highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the poppy's significance in modern society.

Despite the controversy, the former United captain has chosen to continue honouring this custom on national television.

Following Erik ten Hag's departure from Manchester United, Keane did not mince words in his assessment of the squad.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he expressed disappointment but acknowledged the fresh start a new manager brings.

"It's a big challenge for him trying to get Man United back competing at the top of the table. It's a big ask, you wish him well," Keane remarked.

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The pundit also showed empathy for the outgoing manager, stating, "You always have sympathy for a manager losing his job.

"Ultimately I think, whatever [you think] about the board, the players let him down by their efforts and not being good enough."

Keane's critique of the United squad was particularly scathing. He highlighted a significant issue within the team, noting that some players in key positions simply "can't run". This, according to Keane, is a "big problem" for the club.

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The former captain didn't stop there. He also pointed out that there are players who "don't want to run", or when they do, they fail to exert themselves sufficiently.

This lack of effort and intensity is clearly a source of frustration for Keane, who built his career on relentless work rate and commitment.

These observations paint a concerning picture of the current state of Manchester United's squad.

The new manager faces a daunting task in revitalising Manchester United's squad.

Keane emphasised the need to instil a winning mentality in the dressing room, particularly addressing the issue of players not giving their all on the pitch.

However, the challenge extends beyond motivation. Keane pointed out a significant obstacle: "The players who aren't doing it, you have to try move them on, which is difficult because they're on long-term contracts."

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This situation presents a complex problem for the incoming manager.

Not only must they inspire better performances, but they may also need to navigate the intricacies of long-term player contracts to reshape the squad effectively.