Manchester United legend Roy Keane compares Thomas Partey to old rival and Arsenal great Patrick Vieira

Partey impressed for the Gunners on Sunday as they earned their first victory at Old Trafford since 2006

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has praised Thomas Partey’s display for Arsenal at Old Trafford, saying the midfielder reminded him of old rival Patrick Vieira.

Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid this summer, has impressed for the Gunners since making his debut last month, and the Ghana international was a standout performer for Mikel Arteta’s side as they beat United 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday.

And Partey’s performance reminded Keane, himself a former midfielder, of Arsenal great Vieira.

“Partey was outstanding,” Keane told Sky Sports. 

“The more I look at him, the more I wish he was in the United midfield.

“He’s big, strong and aggressive, and he can pass it forward. He can deal with the ball.

“I had my battles with Vieira and I think this kid has got a chance of matching what Patrick used to do.”

Arsenal coach Arteta also highlighted Partey’s performance, while crediting another new signing, Gabriel Magalhaes, for his showing at Old Trafford as well.

Gabriel impressed in the centre of Arsenal’s defence as the visitors secured their first win at United since 2006.

“I know how tough this league is,” Arteta said, “but we try to pick certain characteristics in the profile of players that we want to find for our club.

“I think [Partey and Gabriel] play with a lot of maturity and they look like they’ve been here longer than they actually have.

“I know that there are still some connections where they don’t have that flow, because they haven’t played much together, but I also see the spirit they are creating and the personality they are showing on the pitch.”