Everton defender Michael Keane on why he rejected Manchester United ahead of Old Trafford return: 'I wasn't as big a fan as I had been'

  • Michael Keane opted to join Everton over Manchester United this summer 
  • England defender was concerned he would not get regular football at United 
  • Keane: 'United wanted me back but I thought I'd play more games at Everton'
  • 24-year-old began career at Old Trafford and returns as opponent again Sunday

Everton defender Michael Keane has opened up about why he rejected the chance to return to Manchester United under Jose Mourinho in favour of developing under Ronald Koeman.

Keane returns to Old Trafford once more as an opposition player on Sunday but had the chance to join United in the summer before completing his £30million to Goodison Park from Burnley.

The England centre-back, who left United permanently in 2015 following a year-long loan at the Clarets, has no regrets over his decision to continue his footballing education elsewhere.

Everton defender Michael Keane opted to move to Goodison Park over Manchester United

Everton defender Michael Keane opted to move to Goodison Park over Manchester United

The £30million arrival admitted he was no longer a big fan of United since leaving in 2015
Keane will look to produce another good performance on his return to Old Trafford on Sunday

The £30million arrival admitted he was no longer a big fan of United since leaving in 2015

'They [United] were in touch with my agent and showed a lot of interest,' Keane said in an interview with The Times


'They wanted me, but a few things happened and I thought Everton would be the best place for me to come. I thought I would get a lot of game time here, more than I possibly would at Manchester United, and that was a massive factor in my decision.

'To be honest, having been at Burnley for three years, I wasn't a fan of the club like I used to be. I wasn't as big a fan of Man United as I had been, so I had to sort of put that to one side and just think rationally about what would be best for me as a footballer.

'My family are all Man United fans so it was not an easy decision. My dad would have been delighted if I had signed for United. But he is glad I have come to Everton and not Liverpool, put it that way.' 

Keane puts in a good last-ditch challenge against United last season while playing for Burnley

Keane puts in a good last-ditch challenge against United last season while playing for Burnley

The 24-year-old hopes regular football with Everton will enhance his chances with England

The 24-year-old hopes regular football with Everton will enhance his chances with England

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has expressed his concern over Keane's recent displays, believing the current difficulties experienced are hindering the defender's confidence.

The Toffees have conceded eight goals in the past three games without breaching their opponents once, and Keane's defensive partner has been rotated between Ashely Williams and Phil Jagielka during that time.

The 24-year-old will hope facing the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial this weekend will bring the best out of him as Everton's tough schedule to start the season continues in Manchester.

Manager Ronald Koeman has admitted he is concerned the recent slump has affected Keane

Manager Ronald Koeman has admitted he is concerned the recent slump has affected Keane

The centre-back admits it was not an easy decision turning down a United return this summer

The centre-back admits it was not an easy decision turning down a United return this summer

Koeman said: 'I am worried about our aggression on the pitch and how we defend. If I see how difficult they [opponents] make it for our strikers, and how many spaces we give, letting them turn, not following your man, not defending your man tight, not aggressive, then that's what I am worried about.

'And of course confidence. Michael Keane is normally our best centre back in our ball possession. Maybe now he has doubts in his football. If you have doubts instead of going on the front [foot] in defending you make a step back. That's all about confidence.

'You don't go, always you step back if you are afraid. And I can name more players who are not performing and that are struggling. That altogether makes the team weak at this time.'

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