According to a report by Sky Sports on Monday, November 9, 2026, Manchester United legend Roy Keane has renewed his criticism of manager Michael Carrick, comparing him to a politician following the team's disappointing 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The former Manchester United captain was unhappy with Carrick's post-match comments, accusing the manager of speaking at length about the team's difficulties without offering clear explanations of how he plans to solve them.

Carrick's team once again displayed defensive weaknesses, conceding four goals against Aston Villa despite showing determination to recover from two separate two-goal deficits.

The visitors made a flying start, with Alysson opening the scoring inside the first minute after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens allowed his effort to slip beneath him.

Nicolas Jackson extended Villa's lead just three minutes later, putting the hosts under immediate pressure.

However, Bruno Fernandes pulled one goal back from the penalty spot after Matheus Cunha was fouled by Boubacar Kamara, before Youri Tielemans restored parity shortly before the break.

Manchester United appeared to have regained control of the contest, but Aston Villa moved two goals ahead again after half-time through John McGinn's penalty and Leon Goretzka's 53rd-minute effort.

Joshua Zirkzee reduced the deficit in the 92nd minute before Patrick Dorgu headed home Bruno Fernandes' corner four minutes later to secure a point for the hosts.

Despite the late comeback, the result did little to improve Manchester United's position in the Premier League standings.

The Red Devils remain 18th with only eight points from their opening ten league matches, leaving them one point below safety.

Carrick was subsequently asked whether he would consider stepping down from his position amid the increasing pressure surrounding his future at the club.

However, the English manager dismissed the possibility, making it clear that he had no plans to leave.

"That's not going to happen," Carrick said.

His response did not go down well with Keane, who was analysing the match as a Sky Sports pundit.

The former United midfielder questioned Carrick's communication style, arguing that his media comments contained plenty of general statements but lacked specific solutions.

"It's obviously difficult for the manager. Under pressure, no doubt. He talks a lot but doesn't say much. I don't know if that's a tactic. Like a politician," Keane said.

The Irishman also expressed frustration with Carrick's repeated insistence that Manchester United needed to improve defensively.

After the Aston Villa match, the manager admitted that his side had to become more organised at the back if they hoped to move away from their current position.

However, Keane believes that talking about defensive improvements is insufficient, particularly given the club's disappointing start to the season.

"He keeps saying we need to tighten up and there's things we need to work on. But they better get moving on that. It's the worst start in how many years, all these stats aren't very good. If you keep giving up goals and chances, it's just going to continue," he added.

Keane also questioned the work Carrick and his coaching staff were carrying out during training sessions to address the team's repeated defensive problems.

"What are we expecting to change over the next few weeks and months? What are they working on? They need to do a lot better than that," the former United captain stated.

Interestingly, Keane acknowledged the determination Manchester United showed against Aston Villa.

The Red Devils refused to surrender despite falling two goals behind on two occasions and eventually fought their way back into the match through their late attacking efforts.