Roy Keane takes swipe at Willian after Arsenal’s stalemate with Manchester United

Substitute Willian had a shot blocked by Aaron Wan-Bissaka after the break (Picture: Getty)

Roy Keane praised Arsenal’s ‘spirited’ display in their goalless draw with Manchester United but took aim at Willian in his post-match analysis and said the Brazilian’s missed chance in the second half summed up his struggles at the club.

It was a game of few opportunities at the Emirates and Willian’s eyes lit up as the ball fell to him at the back post shortly after replacing Gabriel Martinelli at the halfway stage.

But the forward’s 49th-minute effort lacked conviction and was blocked by United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who directed the ball behind for a corner.

Willian had a golden chance to break the deadlock in the 49th minute (Picture: Sky Sports)

Willian would have been desperate to find the back of the net given he’s badly failed to live up to expectations since his free transfer last summer and is still yet to open his account for the Gunners.

‘I definitely feel it was a spirited performance from Arsenal and I think they certainly created a very good chance in the second half,’ legendary ex-United captain Keane told Sky Sports.

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‘I think the manager will be pleased. When three of your better players are missing, you want to see a bit of fight and a bit of spirit and they done all that.

‘I really fancied United before the game but we saw these chances. Obviously it sums up Willian’s time since he’s gone to the club. I didn’t for one minute think he would take this chance.

‘But it was definitely spirited and they created chances. They’ll be delighted with the draw, no doubt.’

Keane said he never expected Willian to convert his chance (Picture: Sky Sports)

Keane was critical of United’s performance and felt ‘the game was there for the taking’ with Arsenal missing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka.

‘I’m scratching my head with United really,’ he added.

‘The worry for me watching them today, they almost lacked the belief that they could go and win the game. This is Manchester United.

‘You’re looking at Arsenal who are missing a few players, I know that doesn’t guarantee you’ll win football matches, but the game was there for the taking.

‘Imagine playing for Manchester United and having a lack of belief that you’ll go and win a game of football.

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‘[Edinson] Cavani has obviously got to score but overall their performance just lacked that intensity.

‘We can make excuses, they slipped up with Sheffield United and people are talking about no supporters at the stadiums, lots of fixtures, but there was a real lack of quality today from Manchester United and a real lack of conviction and desire to go and take the game to Arsenal.

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‘Arsenal certainly deserved the draw, at least.’

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