Keane says Fernandes 'not captain material' as United outclassed by City

Roy Keane urged Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to strip the captaincy from Bruno Fernandes after Sunday's 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City.

The Red Devils were outclassed in the Manchester derby, with Erling Haaland on target twice and Phil Foden adding a third to consign United to their fifth Premier League defeat of the season.

With United's miserable campaign suffering another low, legendary former skipper Keane suggested a captaincy change would be the first step to Ten Hag solving their issues.

The Portuguese only assumed the captaincy in the summer after taking on the responsibility from Harry Maguire, who had the armband taken from him by the Dutchman.

But seven-time Premier League winner Keane told Sky Sports: "After today, the first thing I'd do is take the captaincy off him [Fernandes].

"I know it's a big decision, but he is not captain material.

"I think he’s a talented footballer and player, no doubt about it, but what I saw today — his moaning, his throwing his arms up in the air constantly, it really isn't acceptable. 

"I would take it off him. We talk about where they should make changes, I'd start with that and only the manager is capable of that.

"He's the opposite to what I would want in a captain."

Fellow former United skipper and pundit Gary Neville was similarly scathing of the Red Devils' display — but insisted sacking Ten Hag would be the wrong thing to do.

He added: "The last few weeks, the performances have been so poor. At this moment in time, I can't quite see a moment where they get out of it. 

"Changing the manager? Absolutely no chance, that's not the right thing.

"Each manager has reached a level and then it drops. It's happening to Erik ten Hag before our eyes."

Uncertainty is set to continue at Old Trafford amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid to acquire a 25% stake in the club.

The Red Devils face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday before travelling to Fulham on Saturday.