Manchester United had to see themselves thoroughly beaten when Phil Foden and Erling Braut Haaland occasionally played havoc with the Red Devils at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The day after the 1-3 defeat, United received criticism in the British media, and big questions were raised about manager Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
Also read: Monday’s Premier League rumours
Pep gesture to Antony
Manchester Evening News-profile Samuel Luckhurst particularly noticed the lack of width in the Manchester United squad, which became visible throughout the second half.
In the hunt for points, Antony, Sofyan Amrabat, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson were sent onto the pitch after the break.
– Pep Guardiola’s gesture towards Antony sums up all of Manchester United’s dilemma in the loss against Manchester City, writes Luckhurst.
– The lack of width in the stable became clear when a weak and exorbitant Antony lost the ball twice in his first few minutes. Sofyan Ambrabat also lost the ball before City’s last goal. A smiling Pep Guardiola shook Antony’s hand just before he was substituted after 75 minutes. It’s no wonder, writes Luckhurst.
Keane: – Where is the club heading?
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane will not be too hard on his old club after the meeting with a strong City side, but questions Erik ten Hag’s future as manager.
– It was men against boys towards the end, and they just had to hang on. At the end I was afraid it would be four or five. There are still question marks around this team and unfortunately around the manager, says Keane on Sky Sports.
– I don’t want to be too hard on United, because City were brilliant. They showed why they are champions. They find your weaknesses and there is nowhere to hide. It’s like in a boxing ring – they wear you out, says Keane.
– There are still big questions about where this club is going. In the last 25 minutes, they were played with, says the former United profile.
Manchester United, who are now in sixth place, eleven points behind Aston Villa in fourth, will meet Everton at home on Saturday at 1.30pm.