Roy Keane criticised Manchester United's midfield and said ‘there is not enough quality’ following the disappointing 1-1 draw against Southampton at St Mary's on Sunday.
The Saints took the lead after 30 minutes thanks to an own goal by Brazilian midfielder Fred, but United levelled the game ten minutes into the second half courtesy of Mason Greenwood’s strike.
The draw means the Red Devils have extended their unbeaten run away from home to 27 matches, but Keane had a number of issues which he raised on Sky Sports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thought Serbian defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic – who partnered Fred in the middle of the park, was ‘excellent’ but Keane thought otherwise.
Speaking after the game, the former United captain said: "There is certainly one or two question marks with the lads in the middle of the park.
"There is not enough creativity, not enough quality and United will be disappointed with a draw, but let’s give credit to Southampton."
Keane was also critical of Fred’s failure to close down Saints striker Che Adams after his low strike deflected off the Brazilian and into the back of the net.
"You have got to be ready to nail him and he just dangles a leg and doesn't do enough,” said Keane.
"OK, he's unlucky with the deflection, but he has got to do more and got to do better than that."
United had chances to win the game, with Paul Pogba going close but they did not do enough on the day.
Do Man Utd need to sign a new defensive midfielder? Let us know in the comments section.
United have reportedly been in the market for a new defensive minded midfielder this summer, with West Ham ’s Declan Rice being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The Telegraph said on Monday that Rice is frustrated at West Ham and currently has no intention to sign a new deal with the club, but nothing has materialised with United so far.
Meanwhile, Solskjaer was critical of the way referees are interpreting new laws this season, with officials no longer penalising “trivial things”.
"If that is the way they want to go, we will get injuries," he said. "Hopefully we can find a middle way."
The Norwegian boss felt his team should have been awarded a free-kick following Jack Stephens’ challenge on Bruno Fernandes which lead to the opening goal.
"It's a foul. He goes straight through Bruno, his hip and with his armpit and his arm across him," said Solskjaer.
"I'm not worried but we have to look at it because we can't go from one extreme of volleyball or basketball from last year and go into rugby now.
"I liked the more lenient way, it's more men's football but, still, that is a clear foul."
Next up for the Red Devils is a trip to face Bruno Lage’s Wolves in the late kick-off at Molineux on Sunday.
Solskjaer’s side then host Newcastle in the week following the international break, before travelling to West Ham on September 19.
