Keane Slams Queiroz's Leadership Credentials Ahead of Ghana's World Cup Push

Roy Keane has wasted little time in delivering a withering assessment of Carlos Queiroz's appointment as Ghana boss, raising serious doubts about the Portuguese tactician's suitability for the role ahead of their World Cup campaign.

Speaking in the ITV studio on Wednesday evening, the former Manchester United captain didn't hold back when discussing his old mentor. While acknowledging Queiroz's considerable defensive expertise during their time together at Old Trafford, Keane suggested his personality left much to be desired. "Brilliant coach, huge question marks over him as a manager," Keane declared. "I felt like he had the personality of a dead fish when I worked with him."

Queiroz's pedigree in the Premier League is undeniable. The 72-year-old spent two separate stints as part of Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff—first during 2002/03, then again from 2004 to 2008—helping deliver three league titles and a Champions League triumph. His subsequent managerial journey has taken him across the globe, with spells in charge of Portugal, Iran on two occasions, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar, and Oman, before Ghana came calling in April.

The Black Stars face a baptism of fire in Group L, with England providing the opposition in their second fixture on Tuesday, June 23rd. It's the kind of assignment that demands both tactical nous and inspirational leadership—qualities Keane believes Queiroz may struggle to provide.

Yet Queiroz himself remains bullish about Ghana's prospects. He's clearly energised by the passion football commands in the country. "When you talk about football in Ghana, it is in the blood, it is everything," he explained. "And the talent is here so it is an explosive combination to succeed, which was the first and most important attraction to Ghana."

Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo looms as a particular threat that England will need to manage carefully during their encounter.

The Ghana manager has faced considerable scrutiny over one selection in particular. Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was included in the squad despite facing serious allegations—he has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four separate women, with incidents allegedly occurring between 2020 and 2022. Now at Villarreal in La Liga, Partey has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in 2027.

When pressed on the decision, Queiroz sidestepped direct engagement with the controversy. "If the player is here with me, my answer is clear," he said. "I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about? This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth."