Manchester United’s run of three straight victories was ended emphatically by derby rivals Manchester City on Sunday as Erik ten Hag’s men were humbled 3-0 at Old Trafford
Manchester United‘s fans and players are reeling this morning after the 3-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
Roy Keane gives brutal verdict as Antony’s reactions speak volumes
Erik ten Hag’s side went into the clash with renewed hope after the Champions League win over Copenhagen on Tuesday, but were brought back down to earth by their clinical rivals. Erling Haaland struck twice and Phil Foden also netted as the Red Devils were comprehensively outplayed.
But there is precious little time for United to lick their wounds. In a repeat of last season’s EFL Cup final, they host Newcastle in this season’s last-16. And that’s followed by a Premier League trip to Fulham on Saturday.
Ahead of a critical week, we round-up the headlines coming out of Old Trafford….
Keane admits United’s struggles “hard to watch”
Man Utd lost 0-3 to Man City
Roy Keane admits Manchester United’s struggles are “hard to watch” as they were convincingly beaten again in a Manchester derby.
Asked if things could have been worse on Sky Sports, he said: “It could’ve, but I think City had another few levels to go, but they’re obsessed with controlling the game and possession. I think if they wanted to get a few more they would’ve done.
“United’s keeper made two or three great saves, it could’ve been a lot worse for them today. A really poor day at the office for them – very, very poor. They are so far off it, it is hard to watch.”
Antony makes feelings clear after snu
Antony was left on the Manchester United bench
Antony was left bemused and angry as he shook his head after being snubbed by Erik ten Hag during the Manchester derby.
The Brazilian was on the bench with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes starting ahead of him as United looked to upset the form book against their neighbours. Haaland’s brace had the visitors 2-0 up with 15 minutes remaining though as the hosts rang the changes.
Mason Mount was bought on for the start of the second half before Ten Hag then made a double change on 73 minutes. Sergio Reguilon and Alejandro Garnacho were introduced as United chased the game but Antony remained in his seat and shook his head – eventually brought on with four minutes left.
Ten Hag left with egg on his face
Erik ten Hag ’s bold Manchester derby strategy was made to look silly after his Manchester United side were utterly outclassed by their fierce rivals.
The names on the teamsheet had left many scratching their heads. Former Leicester pair Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire partnered each other at the heart of defence, with Victor Lindelof stationed in an unfamiliar left-back role.
That left four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane with a place among the subs. Justifying his decision pre-match, Ten Hag said: “It’s tactical. It’s not the argument to make their selection [their experience], it’s tactical and that’s the answer,” – but the ‘tactical’ call badly backfired.
