Roy Keane couldn't help but feel sorry for the Manchester United players as their record at Old Trafford worsened to the hands of their rivals Manchester City.
Two first-half goals sealed a 2-0 win for Pep Guardiola's side as they returned to winning ways in the Premier League as the misery continued for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Keane previously ranted about the first-half showing and how he had 'given up' but his anger turned to sympathy as they dissected a third home defeat of the season for the Reds.
Eric Bailly's erratically fired beyond David de Gea before Bernardo Silva ghosted in at the back post to stab home with the help of the Spanish goalkeeper.
Should results go against United, they could go into the November international break as low as 10th with a trip to Vicarage Road to come after the World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite his empathy, the attitude of the players was in the former Manchester United midfielder's crosshairs, he said after the game: "It felt worse [than Liverpool match].
"They were happy to keep the ball and toyed with United. So poor. The difference in class, decision making, everything. It was men vs boys. United are so off it it’s unbelievable.
"[Phil] Foden said it’s a tough place to come. It’s not. Ask Everton, ask Aston Villa, ask Liverpool. Teams are getting joy. I know the away record over the last few years has been fantastic but it’s what you do at home that sets you up to win trophies. United’s home form and performance.
"The goal at half-time killed it. They needed to go in at half-time 1-0 and regroup. United are just so poor. Fred and McTominay aren’t good enough. It was so comfortable for City.
"Foden’s getting interviewed there. The way I look at it after a derby you should be drained you should be exhausted and no energy left. He was chatting there as if he had a training game.
"Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] seems to be under pressure since he’s walked into the club and that’s not going away because people didn’t think he was up to it.
"The pressure is going to build but the players I look at Shaw and De Gea they’re international players. They couldn't sniff out danger, these boys are too casual. Ole has to take responsibility and I’ve defended him for one or two years but he’s the manager and the staff need to get more out of these players.
"The lack of quality particularly in midfield they are so short. I’d like to go hard on the United players but today I feel sorry for them. They’re just not up to playing for United. When I was at United you judge a player on how they cope with playing in front of 75,000 and you stay in the fight when you’re under the cosh.
"But this team doesn’t. They just don't have the desire to stay in the fight. This team doesn’t have personality. They’re trying things and they’re a decent group going for lunch but it’s what happens when the referee blows the whistle.
"The only booking was for [Cristiano] Ronaldo for United and I’m not saying go get seven cards because that won’t win you the game but you have to show emotion in the game.
"When I haven’t been at the races I think I might smash into somebody to make me feel better and sometimes it gets a reaction. This is a derby game and I totally understand why fans would leave after an hour and I’m always critical of fans leaving early."
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