David Moyes has stated that some of the criticism aimed at his Manchester United players by the former captain Roy Keane and goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is correct.
The manager also has an ever-deepening injury crisis with the “blow” of Robin van Persie being out for a month with a thigh injury which means United are without six key players, though Moyes denied the Dutchman was rushed back early following a groin problem.
The Scot takes the side to Aston Villa tomorrow, with United having lost their past two league games, to Everton and Newcastle United. They were also unconvincing in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
Criticised the team
Keane criticised the team at half-time of the Donetsk match for failing to close down space and failing to make tackles, singling out Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Young for special mentions. Schmeichel claimed that Moyes needs to sell "five or six" players. Asked specifically about this comment, the manager said: "The players would be the first to accept that we need to play better and we have to make that happen. I take responsibility. I need to make them play better because I'm the manager and I'll do that.
“Some of what they’re [Keane and Schmeichel] saying is correct. There’s some of it that’s not correct because it’s certainly not the [United players’] attitude or effort.”
Moyes also denied Keane’s claim that Alex Ferguson still wields power at the club, saying that rather than his predecessor interfering, it is the 49-year-old who asks him for advice. “I can pick up the phone to him when I need to, which I do now and again. Obviously we bump into each other because he’s a director; we say hello after the games. He doesn’t [come to the dressing room]. A lot of the directors do but Alex keeps away.”
Van Persie suffered his injury while taking a corner during the Shakhtar match. The thigh strain follows groin and toe problems. Van Persie's career at his previous club, Arsenal, was injury-blighted before he recovered to be consistently fit in his final campaign.
Play regularly
He was also able to play regularly for United last season and Moyes has no concerns about the striker's long-term availability."I know a lot of people have said things [about him being unhappy] but Robin has been fantastic. He has been great to work with."
Van Persie’s absence means an even greater onus on Wayne Rooney, who will play his 500th career game at Villa. Asked if there is a fear of the England striker burning out, Moyes said: “Strangely enough the word slipped out of my mind because he’ll have to play the games for us and we’ll use him as much as we can.”
Regarding a new deal for Rooney, whose contract expires in 18 months, Moyes added: "The club are comfortable, there are lots of discussions between the club and his representatives so I think that's all fine. I don't see any great panic."
Guardian Service
