Plenty of pundits are asking the same question, the Telegraph’s Alan Smith gives his view.
‘How much longer will he last with a level of performance that bears no resemblance whatsoever to the previous model of all-action, rampaging dominance?
The thing is, Keane cannot do that anymore, he can't go in for swashbuckling displays. A sore hip won't allow it after an operation, unfortunately, did not cure the problem.
To simply get by these days, Keane needs regular anti-inflammatory injections that prohibit any form of running for a day or so either side. Apart from being a complete nuisance, this sort of disruption can only have a negative effect on stamina and mobility.A younger man might get away with skipping the odd training session, at least for a time, but in the modern game a 31-year-old like Keane needs to be doing the right things, training the right way to properly compete at the highest level.’
Smith analyses Keane’s role on Saturday:
‘ Keane patrolled a restricted area just in front of his own back four, rarely venturing forward to support United attacks. You could see that, deliberately and clinically, he has pared his game down to the very basics. Passes were uncomplicated, his movement deliberate, with none of the crunching tackles that used to famously pepper his play.
It was, instead, more a case of using his vast experience to anticipate and intercept, then offer an ever-present option for team-mates in possession. How strange, and in many ways sad, to see someone who has always excelled at the heart of the action forced into a role of relative inconsequence.
And how frustrating it must be for the individual concerned when the mind is still willing but the body yells 'No!' Yet a strong will to win still beats fiercely within. You could see that clearly enough with one or two trademark rollickings for players failing in their duties.
For that reason and for that reason alone his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, will, for now, accept his captain's reduced circumstances. For standards have dropped at Old Trafford, where one or two are happily coasting on a wave of wealth and reputation. That's why Keane's inbred intensity becomes more crucial than ever. Someone out there needs to be kicking backsides.’
Worryingly, it's not going to get any better either. There will come a time when Keane gets fed up with endless jabs up the jacksy, when he starts to seriously wonder if it is, in fact, all worth it. You are a long time retired.
His long-term health must come before any thing.
Anyway, he cannot truly be enjoying his football these days. The old Roy Keane has gone. The new one, unfortunately, is but a pale imitation.’
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