Keane worries Man Utd will be eliminated in FA Cup semi-finals

Keane admits to losing some confidence when watching Man Utd play recently. "A few months ago, I thought Man Utd was really formidable," he told ITV after his old club beat Fulham in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on March 19. "But the last few games I feel like they play on inspiration. That's not a good habit for a team."

Man Utd won the fourth consecutive match in the FA Cup with a score of 3-1 against Fulham on the evening of March 19. But Keane said that coach Erik ten Hag could not be satisfied with the performance of the "Red Devils". "I know Fulham self-destructed, but I can't believe Man Utd played so badly," added the former Man Utd captain. "If they continue to play like that in the semi-finals, they will be eliminated by Brighton."

At Old Trafford yesterday, Man Utd did not play well until Fulham received three red cards in a minute, for coach Marco Silva, midfielder Willian and striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. It was Mitrovic who opened the scoring in the 50th minute, but was shown a red card in the 72nd minute when he overreacted to referee Chris Kavanagh. Man Utd were awarded a penalty when Willian blocked the goal with his hand, and Bruno Fernandes took advantage of the opportunity to shoot 11 meters into the lower right corner to equalize. Marcel Sabitzer raised the score to 2-1 two minutes later, then Fernandes sealed a 3-1 victory.

Man Utd have played the most games in Europe this season, with Fernandes and goalkeeper David de Gea topping the group of players with the most appearances. However, Keane does not think the team has lost its form because of weakness. "The season has not yet reached the point of exhausting the players," he added.

The FA Cup semi-finals will take place at Wembley neutral ground. On April 22, Man City played the first semi-final against Sheffield United. A day later, Man Utd played against Brighton. The final could be the Manchester derby, if the two higher rated teams advance. Man City is still the most appreciated when they have not conceded through four matches in the tournament.

Man Utd will be given a two-week break to make way for the national teams, but most of their mainstays are up for the national team and may not be able to rest. After this period, they returned to meet the host Newcastle in round 29 of the English Premier League Sunday 2/4.