Jesse Marsch hits out at former Man Utd midfielder in X-rated rant for Leeds United criticism

Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has hit out at Roy Keane for his 'negative' analysis as a pundit.

Marsch spent one year at the West Yorkshire side, securing their Premier League safety on the final day in 2022 but failing to build despite spending more than £140million on signings. The American was sacked in February 2023 and Leeds were subsequently relegated the following May.

Keane has developed a reputation for pulling no punches in his assessments since moving into punditry, although his most damning verdicts have often been aimed at Manchester United. And Marsch has taken exception to the former midfielder's style and general negative attitude in England.

“It’s always interested me that people love Roy Keane so much and his commentary because I think Roy can be kind of an a******," Marsch told Upfront With Simon Jordan.

“But there is something in English culture about the negative, edgy, cutting, that’s the truth. It is like he says it like it is. In America, our truth is that we believe we can achieve great things, we believe in ourselves and if people want to knock us down, we want to try more.

“So when I have positive takes on certain things, that’s not my trying to be something different or trying to be American, that’s how I feel.”

Keane rarely took aim at Leeds during their short and underwhelming spell in the Premier League but seemingly stuck up for Marsch in one damning assessment last season. Shortly after the American was sacked, the former United midfielder claimed players had downed tools and labelled them a 'disgrace'.

“We talk about energy, they didn’t have energy against [Nottingham] Forest," he said. "Their performance was a disgrace and that’s why they got their manager the sack.”

Keane's most brutal assessments have often been aimed at United and the 52-year-old has not been short of ammunition this season. Erik ten Hag has overseen one of the worst start's to a campaign in the club's history, losing 14 times before the turn of the year and suffering Champions League group stage elimination.