Michael Keane

[S.E.Arising]

A thread to discuss Michael Keane.

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

Michael Keane Declares for England? | England Football Blog

Michael Keane of Manchester United has rejected Paul Doolin’s call-up to the Ireland U19 squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

Michael Keane is the twin brother of William Keane, winner of the U17 European Championships with England and currently an England U19 international. The two brothers currently play for Manchester United, with Michael a defender, and William a prolific striker.

Doolin commented, “Michael Keane was chosen, but late in the day called me to withdraw.”

The Keane brothers were born in Stockport, grew up there, and have an English mother. They are eligible for Ireland, however, through their father.

While Michael Keane has yet to come out and verbally declare his intention to play for England, the withdrawal could represent something of a coup for the three lions if he is to pursue his desire to link up with his brother in the England setup. One, it puts the brakes on William potentially swapping allegiances (he’s never given any indication of wishing to do so ), and two, Michael‘s fast-tracked development over the past few months has seen him feature on the bench for the Carling Cup as well as feature regularly at Reserve level for Manchester United – representing a huge benefit to enhancing the England backline.

[g@mb!t]

He's really come long this season, been solid in defense and did not expect him to do so well with the reserves this season!

[IrishManc.]

I'm not being harsh, I'm just saying what I think, but tonight was further proof that he's not United standard. Think what Fergie was trying to show to the other youngsters at the club by playing Keane was that hard work gets rewarded at this club.
I remeber Richard Eckersley getting a few games in the past and he had little or no ability either but he was a hardworker. Hope Cofie gets on the bench the next night.

[se7en]

Thought he did alright tonight didnt have much to do though.

[g@mb!t]

true, can't say he isn't United standard yet. We've had players prove us wrong so many occasions, best example is Cleverley!

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

Michael Keane deserved Manchester United debut - Official Manchester United Website

Reserves boss Warren Joyce has praised United's latest first-team debutant Michael Keane.

The 18-year-old defender came off the bench at Aldershot, replacing Ezekiel Fryers, to become the fourth player to make his United bow in this season's competition.

Keane also managed to pip his twin brother Will to an appearance as the striker was an unused substitute at the EBB Stadium.

"Michael has had a really good season," enthused Joyce to ManUtd.com. "I can't remember him having a bad training session, let alone a bad game.

"He's a consistent kid who works very hard."

Another of the Reds' recent debutants, Larnell Cole, was also a substitute after getting a brief taste of action at Leeds in the previous round.

"Larnell Cole is another one who I can't remember having a bad session," added Joyce. "He and Michael are really consistent."

[Tallboy]

I though Fryers did better than Keane, primarily because of his speed. He was up against a quick winger last night who did not better him once. Fryers did not attack down the flank much, but I suspect he was told not to. For my money Fryers is the one to watch.

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

Fryers has got more of a chance as we don't have many LBs and Evra is aging and is struggling with form. There doesn't seem much confidence in Fabio at LB otherwise he'd play there more.

[IrishManc.]

true, can't say he isn't United standard yet. We've had players prove us wrong so many occasions, best example is Cleverley!

I hope your right because I love when we produce talent but I can't see it happening with Keane. Again I'm not being harsh but I wouldn't have even had him starting on the youth cup team last season - Massacci was better in my opinion but I think there was some rule where you could only play a certain number of foreign players, might be wrong there but I think I heard that somewhere.

Clevereley was a far better prospect than Keane at the same age - Cleverley was included on the tour of South Africa and I think he scored aswell - think he was only 19 at the time.

[g@mb!t]

i dont think many people rated Cleverley so highly until his Watford loan, that's when really started to impress. I think Keane has a shot.

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

To be fair though mate, you think everyone has a shot.

[g@mb!t]

not everyone but i stick to the point that i think he could break into the first team.

Looking at the present reserve team, who do you think will not make it for sure?

Vermijl, Masacci, Norwood, Jacob and Coll?

The reason all these guys are playing for us is that the coaches think they have the potential to make it here.

[Sideshow Bob]

Michael Keane now wants to represent England.

[se7en]

Good lad

[JSNFRMN_MUFC]

Don't think he was full time last season, coming on magnificently this season though, working hard in training, seems to have moved to CB now and has grown quite a bit.

[Sideshow Bob]

Someone said the same about his size during highlights of the Stockport match before last night's reserve game.

[Sideshow Bob]

Impressive interview with Keane just on MUTV. He came across as level headed.