Roy Keane agrees with Jamie Carragher criticism as damning Man Utd verdict given ahead of Man City clash

Roy Keane has echoed Jamie Carragher's recent criticism of Manchester United, insisting it is up to the more experienced players to take charge and close the gaps between midfield and defence.

Carragher has been involved in a spat with United manager Erik ten Hag throughout the week after harshly criticising the apparent lack of style or plan under the Dutchman. Ten Hag hit back at the former Liverpool captain in his press conference, insisting he has been negative from the offset.

United face Manchester City at the Etihad later on Sunday afternoon in what looks set to be a challenging game for the Reds. And speaking before the game, Keane backed Carragher and called on United's experienced core to fix the obvious issues.

“I agree with the points that Jamie was making but I also understand why a manager would come out and defend his team,” Keane told Sky Sports. “Of course he’s under pressure, but we've all seen United, particularly this season, there are a lot of spaces between midfield and defence. They're giving up a lot of shots, a lot of chances. 

“That's up to the team to be more compact. You hope that will come from experience. I've been critical of Maguire and that lack of pace defensively is a big problem for them. If they continue to give up spaces like they have all season - I don't know why we think it'll change today - against a brilliant Manchester City team, then there will be trouble. 

“But it won't be up to the young players to sort that out, it will be up to the senior players to be more compact at the right time. There is time to squeeze up and put teams under pressure, but when you’re under the cosh, there's nothing wrong with sitting in and playing on the counter-attack.”

United will be without a number of those experienced players, with Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire among eight first-team absences. Ten Hag will have no left-back or natural No.9, with Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial both also out.