Roy Keane rules out Manchester City in Premier League title race

Roy Keane has ruled out Manchester City as Premier League title winners this season, with the former Manchester United captain questioning the quality of their midfield. City are due to open their league campaign at home against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Keane believes City’s midfield is the weakest among the six leading Premier League clubs. His assessment covers the four players he identified in that area and forms the basis of his view that Pep Guardiola’s side cannot challenge successfully for the title.

The former United midfielder’s judgement is a significant one because City have been among the league’s strongest teams in recent seasons. However, he does not expect their midfield options to provide the platform needed for another title campaign.

City’s first league fixture will come at home to Bournemouth, giving them an immediate opportunity to respond on the pitch. The result of that match will begin to shape their early position in the Premier League table, although no league standings are established before the opening round.

The wider build-up has also included a 3-0 Community Shield defeat for Enzo Maresca’s side against Arsenal last weekend. That result preceded the start of the Premier League season and added an early competitive result to the opening-weekend discussion.

Keane’s conclusion is direct: he does not see Manchester City winning the league with the midfield group currently available. His comments place City outside the title-winning picture before their campaign begins, despite their status among the Premier League’s leading clubs.