HUMBLED
Roy Keane says Man United should be ’embarrassed’ by defeat to one of ‘best ever’ Man City as Gary Neville says they ‘bottled’ derby
Roy Keane gave a scathing assessment of Manchester United's performance in their 6-3 humbling at Manchester City, describing it as a "hugely embarrassing" day for his old club.
United were blown away by their local rivals with City's goals coming courtesy of hat-tricks from Phil Foden and the unstoppable Erling Haaland.
4
4
United breached the opposition defence three times but in truth the scoreline flattered them, with Antony netting their first when they had already conceded four.
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial's late brace came after the home side had added another two.
Keane believes Erik ten Hag's men have taken a huge step backwards after their previous good run of form, but admitted Pep Guardiola's side are one of the best teams he's ever seen.
He told Sky Sports: "The way Man United started, they were slow out of the blocks... the first goal was huge and they never recovered, there was space everywhere.
"They were sloppy in possession, Marcus Rashford didn't get hold of it. Every time City went forward they looked like they were going to score.
"Man City were magnificent. Watching them live, they are one of the best teams I've ever seen.
Most read in Football
4
"But Man United, a huge setback for them. We gave them a little praise over the last few weeks but this is a huge step back for them.
"They were 4-0 down at half time, they were 4-0 down at half time at Brentford, it's no good. Not even the consolation of some late goals at the end, the game's over.
"Nothing for Man United to take out of this game. I think from the players' point of view, they should be embarrassed. You can't go in at half time 4-0 down in a derby game, hugely embarrassing.
"As brilliant as City were, United were desperate, particularly in midfield. Overran in midfield, defensively all over the shop, again you look at leadership, there was nothing there for Man United."
Keane continued: "This game is brutal. Top level sport is fantastic but it's brutal for Man United today when you're not quite at it, you get hammered by your local rivals.
"Brilliant for Man City, Haaland and Foden getting hat-tricks, fantastic. But for Man United...
"I just can't imagine going into a dressing room at a big club like Manchester United and you're 4-0 down at half-time.
"It must be bizarre - but saying that, they must be getting used to it because they did it at Brentford.
"The manager must be scratching his head with his staff and thinking, 'We've made progress over the last four games'. Huge setback."
4
Keane's former team-mate Gary Neville was equally damning about United's display at the Etihad.
Neville said: "The story of the game is that in the first half Manchester United froze. There's no doubt they bottled it.
"There has been promise in the last few weeks from United. But this is a reminder of how far behind they actually are the best team in the country.
"They have been really nervous. They have just not handled this derby at all.
"I expected so much more from United. There was no composure. They never settled. They were anxious and nervous on the ball."
Topics