Manchester United legend Roy Keane correctly predicted that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “needed more time” when he was compared to Frank Lampard during a heated debate in January.
The Red Devils are currently fourth and are five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, although United have a game in hand.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are sixth in the table and one point behind United, but the Blues have made two more appearances than the Red Devils.
Speaking in January, Keane started a heated debate with Sky Sports specialist Jamie Carragher following United’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield last season.
The 49-year-old former United captain was astonished at the criticism Solskjaer received at the time, although Lampard received praise when his side lost eight matches.
“Give Ole some time,” Keane said. “How long has Ole been working for?” Give the man a chance.
“I watched Chelsea last night, they’re a good team, but they couldn’t do the job.
“Lampard lost eight games, but for some reason, ‘Frank is fine.’ Maybe because he’s English, I don’t know. “
A point clear of Chelsea with TWO games in hand on them. Ole should get more respect, Lampard should be criticised more.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) December 28, 2020
One thing Roy Keane forgot to mention, Frank Lampard has managed under difficult circumstances. Lost our best player, transfer ban, injuries, playing the academy boys, & still be 4th with 5 points distance, coming into Feb, is good. Nothing to do with his English. pic.twitter.com/W0eAKvizIc
– Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) January 20, 2020
Carragher stressed that Lampard’s side at Chelsea were ahead of United with their transfer ban in place at the time, but Keane wasted no time blasting the Blues boss’s resume.
“Look at Frank’s background and CV,” he says. “He went to Derby and was not promoted, but Frank has all the answers for Chelsea. He did not do it. Give it time. It has nothing to do with Ole and it just goes on.
“And the three managers before Ole, are you saying they don’t know what this is, Jamie?” They know what it is.
When Liverpool legend Carragher asked Keane how much time Solskjaer would need, the former Nottingham Forest star replied: “I would definitely give Ole another year. One hundred percent – another year. “
United would finish above Chelsea in the league table last season – on points level – and find themselves once again above the London club in the table this season.
United will return to the Premier League at 8 p.m. UK time against Wolves at Old Trafford.
Chelsea played their last game of 2020 on Monday as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
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