Roy Keane says he wishes Manchester United had signed Thomas Partey and believes he can match Patrick Vieira’s achievements at the Emirates.
Partey, who joined Arsenal in a £45m deal from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day, delivered a commanding display at Old Trafford as Arteta’s side sealed a 1-0 victory over United.
Aubameyang’s penalty in the second half was enough to secure the win for Arsenal, while Partey dominated the midfield battle against Paul Pogba and Fernandes.
And Keane was impressed with the Ghanian midfielder. ‘Brilliant, I thought he was outstanding,’ Keane told Sky Sports when asked about Partey’s display.
‘We said before the game, this guy’s no mug, he’s played for a big club, he’s played in big competitions.
‘We saw today, when you watch a player live that’s when you can judge a player. ‘The more I look at him the more I wish he was in Man United’s midfield.
‘Big, strong, aggressive, obviously going back with Arsenal I had my battles with Patrick Vieira, I think this kid has got a chance of matching what Patrick used to do.
‘He’s big, he’s strong, he’s aggressive and he likes to pass it forward. He can deal with the ball, he looks comfortable on the ball, just small little details, composure, good first touch, retaining possession, that’s the name of the game.’
