Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United’s players, suggesting Anthony Martial was better off playing in a lower division.

United delivered a notably poor performance in their 1-0 loss to Newcastle on Saturday, marking one of their weakest showings this season, considering their overall disappointing form in 2023/24.

Following the outcome, the team currently occupies the seventh position in the Premier League standings after playing 14 games, trailing by five points for a top-four spot and nine points behind the league leaders, Arsenal.

Numerous challenges persist both on and off the field, and in recent matches, certain players have faced heightened criticism, with forward Martial being a focal point of scrutiny.

United legend Keane has added to that discourse, telling Sky Sports on Sunday: ‘We mention Martial… we forgive Martial because he scores a goal every 14 years.

‘But let me tell you when at Newcastle under pressure, we get that ball into you, you better get hold of that ball to get us up the pitch and a bit of breathing space. 

‘He’s touching balls off and gives the ball away cheaply. You may as well go down the leagues.

Man United have been trying to get rid of him a few years ago. You judge Man United on what they do in the big matches. If you can’t deal with that, maybe you’re not a Man United player.’

Keane went onto criticise the defence saying ‘they seem like a load of strangers’, before also taking aim at Marcus Rashford.

Jamie Carragher previously criticized the forward, going as far as unfavorably comparing him to Martial, and Keane also chimed in.

Rashford] is a local lad, he’s got the mega deal and that is all well and good.

‘I need a bit more, you run forward no problem but you have to run back. Cover yards.

‘He’s 26 now, he’s not a child anymore. He’s got to set the example. He’s got to lead by example, is he on his own? Absolutely not.

‘He’s one of the experienced players in that dressing room and if he’s not setting the example, not good.’