Michael Keane says why he picked Everton over Manchester United

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Ex-Man United defender Michael Keane has endured a difficult time at Everton since his move from Burnley.

Everton defender Michael Keane has told football website The Boot Room that he decided to choose a move to Goodison Park over former side Manchester United as he believed he would be afforded more game time.

The 25-year-old joined Everton from Premier League rivals Burnley for a fee believed to be in the region of £25million, which saw the England international overlook a move to his former side.

Keane failed to make the squad during the 4-0 loss to Tottenham as he continued his recovery from a gashed foot, but made the bench against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday without coming on.

The commanding centre-back spoke of how difficult it has been on Merseyside with a number of injuries keeping him sidelined, as well as speaking out on why he chose the Toffees over United.

“I thought I’d get more chances of playing at Everton,” Keane said. “Man United was my Club growing up but I put my heart to one side, thought about it realistically and decided that I would definitely have more chance of playing at Everton.

“It has been a difficult start, I want to perform at my best more consistently and to be playing all of the games, but a lot of that has been down to injury as well. You want to pay them back and show Everton supporters that you’re worth that.

“It’s hard. To be honest it’s something I’ve never had to do before, so it’s quite new for me to have injuries that keep you out for two or three weeks.I just need to get over this one by next week and then hope I won’t have any more.”

Keane remains locked in a battle to oust Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams and Mason Holgate, with the latter two defenders starting on Saturday against West Brom. Ramiro Funes Mori is also expected to return to action before the end of the season.

The Toffees next face in-form Leicester City on January 31, otherwise known as deadline day, and Keane could make his 25th league and cup appearance for the Merseyside outfit.