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'I give up on these players' | Roy Keane offers scathing assessment of United's derby performance

Manchester United slumped to a 2-0 defeat to rivals, Manchester City on Saturday and Roy Keane sl...



'I give up on these players' |...
Soccer

'I give up on these players' | Roy Keane offers scathing assessment of United's derby performance

Manchester United slumped to a 2-0 defeat to rivals, Manchester City on Saturday and Roy Keane slammed the performance of the United players on Sky Sports.

Following an own goal from Eric Bailly after seven minutes, City dominated the ball before doubling their lead right at the half-time break. Bernardo Silva stole in at the back post to poke home a Joao Cancelo cross and Keane did not hold back on the defensive showing from his former club.

Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United Picture date: Saturday November 6, 2021.

"I can't understand the defending. I give up," Keane said at half-time.

"I am driving down here today thinking 'Manchester United, they have a chance, they are at home. [But] They have been doing this all season, giving up chances.

"This defending from Luke Shaw and David de Gea, not enough pressure. You have to show intensity and put pressure [on the opponent].

"You are on the ropes, stay in the game. You are like a boxer, stay in the game.

"I have been cursing these fellas for years. I give up. I give up on these players."

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw Picture date: Saturday November 6, 2021.

In the second half, a similar trend continued as Pep Guardiola's men recycled the ball with real verve. They kept Manchester United at arm's length throughout the game without ever really feeling the need to hurt Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

While Liverpool came to Old Trafford and destroyed United, City largely strolled through this game and toyed with United according to Keane.

"It was men, v boys. United are so far off it, it is unbelievable," Keane continued.

"Phil Foden mentioned there [post-game] that Old Trafford is a tough place to come, it is not. Ask Everton, ask Aston Villa, ask Liverpool.

"I know United's away record over the last couple of seasons has been fantastic but ultimately it is what you do at home that gives you that foundation to try and compete and go on and win trophies.

"The goal at half-time killed the game. The second goal and it is game over.

"I do not know what I want to say, it is just so poor. It is just so poor.

"I go back and look for characters, Scott McTominay, Fred, these players are not good enough for Manchester United. Even the first goal, I was not shocked when Bailly sliced that. He has got that in him, he is erratic. He slices at things.

"Some of these players are just not up to playing for Manchester United. This team does not have personality."

The defeat heaps pressure on Solskjaer once more. With the international break looming, United will not return to league action when they travel to Watford on November 20th. Once again, it is up to the under-fire manager to lift his players as they look to stay within touching distance of the top four.

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Bernardo Silva Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester City Manchester Derby Manchester United Old Trafford Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Pep Guardiola