Roy Keane claims Man Utd players ‘gave up’ against Man City & labels performance ‘unacceptable’

Roy Keane says Sunday’s performance in the Manchester derby is a reflection of gulf in class between the two clubs at present.

A rampant Manchester City netted four at the Etihad, courtesy of braces from Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne, while Jadon Sancho scored Manchester United’s only goal of a bleak afternoon.

But speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Keane said he was ‘frustrated’ watching the Red Devils and didn’t hold back when offering his view of individual performances, claiming the team ‘gave up’ at the Etihad.

“We saw all of United’s shortcomings today, the way United lost the game today they stopped running, no running back, it’s really unacceptable when you play for Man United and I think they threw in the towel,” the Irishman said in the post-match studio.

“They’re up against a top side but you have to tackle, you’ve got to run back, it was just a reflection of where the club is, they’re so far behind the other teams.

“We hear about problems with the new manager coming in but your own pride has to kick in at some stage.

“I was getting really frustrated, I can forgive mistakes but you have to put your body on the line. [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka, Fred, [Harry] Maguire, [Marcus] Rashford came on, I could go on, gave up four goals and City didn’t have to be at their best at all. Shame on them.

“The worst thing that you could say about United is that they gave up. In any game if you give up, it’s unforgivable really.”

“The beauty of top level sport is that there’s no hiding place. We saw all United’s shortcomings today.

“There are ways to lose football matches, but the way United lost it today, they stopped running, gave up. Players not running back, that’s what I don’t understand.”