Roy Keane has questioned the quality of Manchester United manager Michael Carrick and his backroom team ahead of Saturday’s derby with Manchester City.

Carrick was announced earlier this month as United manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The former United midfielder’s only previous managerial experience came with two-and-a-half years at Middlesboro. He led the club to the playoffs in 2022-23, finishing eighth and 10th in his two full seasons at Riverside.

Keane raised doubts about United earlier this week and Carrick responded on Friday that he was not concerned, but the Irishman doubled down on his claims ahead of the Manchester derby.

“Look at Michael Carrick… I’m sure whatever his mandate was at Middlesborough, it was probably to get promoted. He didn’t do that. So you can see he failed there, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad manager,” Keane said on Sky Sports.

“It’s obviously been a difficult job, but it’s great for him to get the chance. But I look at the staff he’s brought in. We sit here every week and talk about how Man United are the best of the best, and at the moment, looking at this appointment and the staff, I don’t think that’s the case. But that’s not to say they can’t deliver.

“It’s a great opportunity for him and his staff. Of course I’m worried, but that’s what the former manager said.

“It just seems like a bit of a circus act at the moment. But I still think the team has a great chance of qualifying for the Champions League if they get a good start and build momentum. That has to be the goal!”