Manchester United’s inconsistent start to the season continued on Sunday evening as their return to Premier League football was a day to forget for Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman named an unchanged side to the one which beat Arsenal four weeks ago but the performance and result couldn’t have been farther apart.
City were dominant throughout the game and the hosts invited United back into the game following the interval, with three goals improving the scoreline a little for the Reds.
Following the game, Roy Keane was characteristically quick to lament United for their poor performance in the derby, arguing they should be ’embarrassed’.
🗣️ “They really should be embarrassed.”
Roy Keane on Manchester United’s performance against Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/D68WPQz3Yd
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 2, 2022
Read more: Erik ten Hag gets it horribly wrong as Man United are embarrassed again
“They were sloppy in possession, Rashford didn’t get a hold of it. The wide players, you know, just sloppy play,” Keane told Football Daily.
“Every time City went forward, they looked like they were going to score. Watching Man City, it is a pleasure, watching them live, they are one of the best teams I’ve ever seen.
“But for Man United, a huge setback for them. We were giving them a little bit of praise over the last few weeks but this is a huge step back.
“4-0 down at half-time, they were 4-0 down at Brentford. And the performance in the second half is no good. Even with the consolation, they scored a few goals, the game was over.
“Man City switched off, they made a load of substitutions, no aggression from the Man City players in the second half. They were obviously comfortable going forward but defensively, very very poor.
“Nothing from Man United to take out of this game. From the player’s point of view, they really should be embarrassed. You can’t go into half-time 4-0 down in a derby game, that’s hugely embarrassing.
“As brilliant as Man City were, United were desperate. Particularly in midfield, they got overrun in midfield. Defensively, all over the shop. You look at leadership, there was nothing there for Man United.”
United will now look to bounce back in the Europa League as they make the trip to face Cypriot side Omonia on Thursday, having claimed their first three points in their group before the international break.
