Roy Keane and Gary Neville agree on what Manchester United did wrong vs Man City

03.10.2022 - 08:11 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester United's derby defeat to Manchester City has seen plenty of criticism come their way.

Erik ten Hag's side entered the clash in rude health having won four successive Premier League games. But they were woefully below-par as a rampant City tore them to shreds. Pep Guardiola's side opened up a 4-0 half-time lead and despite a United fightback of sorts, the hosts still ran out convincing 6-3 winners.

The performance from the visitors led to harsh words from two former players. Former United captain Keane put the defeat down to a lack of belief, despite the recent good run of form.

Read more: United players rated after dismal derby defeat

He said on Sky Sports: "Maybe (there was) a lack of belief, we gave them plaudits at the beginning of the match, there was question marks over the City players missing but it’s been easy for them.

"You’re Man United, you can’t get too embarrassed. I can’t believe how bad Manchester United have been, I know the signs over the last four games have been positive. We said about counter-attack, it’s not counter-attacking now, it’s about pride, personality - they’ve not shown it.

"Man United, oh my god, it’s like the game's too big for them, the occasion's almost got to the players. I can’t believe what I’m watching."

Keane's former United teammate and current Sky Sports colleague Gary Neville agreed with his assessment, suggesting the United players had "bottled it".

Neville, on commentary duties at the Etihad, said: "His (Ten Hag's) players have bottled it. Forget the goals they’ve conceded, on the ball they were just giving it away all the time. They’ve been really nervous, Manchester United. They’ve just not handled this Manchester derby at all and Manchester City are too well