'It was worse than Liverpool defeat' - Keane piles pressure on Solskjaer after Man City defeat

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 6 Nov 2021 10:06 CDT
• 3 min read

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane believes the club’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City was worse than the recent 5-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Further pressure was applied to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s shoulders on Saturday evening when his side were comfortably beaten by their cross-city rivals at Old Trafford.

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While Pep Guardiola’s side only managed two goals on the day, they dominated proceedings for the entire 90 minutes and could have scored much more.

Indeed, such was the gulf in performances from both sides that Keane believes City’s comfort in the derby was more damning of Solskjaer’s side than the 5-0 defeat that Liverpool inflicted on them in late October.

'It felt worse than the Liverpool defeat'

“It felt worse. You go in at half time, game all over,” said Keane on Sky Sports shortly after the match. “Of course, City are a different type of team to Liverpool.

“They were quite happy just to keep the ball, and they just toyed with United. So, poor, the difference in class. Quality, decision making, everything.

“It was men versus boys. United are so awful it's unbelievable. [Phil] Foden mentioned there it is a tough place to come - it's not.

“Ask Everton, ask Aston Villa, ask Liverpool. Teams are coming here and getting joy now. Their home form, their performance. Just so poor, just so poor.

“[Scott] McTominay, Fred. These players aren't good enough for Manchester United. It was so comfortable for Man City.”

If Solskjaer can survive this result, he’ll need to see an immediate improvement in his side if they are to overcome the tests ahead of them in the coming weeks.

After a trip to Watford, Man Utd face Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace before a final Champions League clash with Young Boys.

If the Norwegian manager can’t get his side back on form in those games then he surely won’t be able to keep his job at the club.