Roy Keane has hammered Manchester United's senior players after their humiliation at the hands of Liverpool.
The Red Devils lost 7-0 at Anfield as their arch rivals ran riot on Merseyside. The visitors conceded six second-half goals as they fell apart, shipping four goals in the final half an hour. Only seven days earlier United had celebrated Carabao Cup success at Wembley, but were dealt a stern reality check.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were unable to influence the contest and couldn't stem the tide at Anfield. Keane took aim at the established stars, who he claimed failed to stand up when things got tough.
He said on Sky Sports: "I never thought United were back to their very best, they've had some good results, but they have been giving teams chances and they've been let them off the hook. The chances they gave up today, Liverpool didn't let them off the hook and punished them.
"That's where they deserve credit, they created opportunties, they were clinical, ruthless. They kept going, wanted more goals, but the senior players - I always look at them. The ones we give a big build-up to, the experienced ones, will be the ones who let the club down today."
The Irishman also added on the United players: "You'd go into hiding if you were a player. Never mind a few days, I think I'd go missing for a few months, it really is that embarrassing for the players. What can you do, that's the game, they've got to bounce back."
United's next assignment in a Europa League clash with Real Betis before they return to Premier League action against Southampton. Some onlookers, Keane among them, had suggested United could have an outside chance of claiming the title, but they now sit 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Fernandes was among those to face particular criticism from Gary Neville on commentary. He said: " The second half has been an absolute disgrace - a shambles - epitomised no more by the captain, Bruno Fernandes, who I think has been embarrassing at times in this game."
Erik ten Hag also made his frustration known as he told BBC: "I am surprised because I have seen the last weeks and months this team is resilient and has a winning attitude. Second half we didn't have a winning attitude at all. We didn't stick to the plan and we didn't do our jobs. We didn't track back and it was really unprofessional. We have seen in the past we can bounce back. After Brentford, after Manchester City. This is definitely a strong setback and is unacceptable. I'm really disappointed and angry about it."
