Roy Keane fumes at Man United players 'they played like strangers'

Roy Keane scathingly described Manchester United as playing like a 'load of strangers' and jested Anthony Martial is consistently let off by 'scoring a goal every 14 years'.

United were outperformed against Newcastle on Saturday with Erik ten Hag's side failing to match the intensity of the hosts at St James' Park as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat.

Martial was given the nod to start upfront in place of Rasmus Hojlund, but produced a torrid showing that eventually led to him being replaced in the second half by the younger Dane.

Keane, formerly a serial title-winning captain at United, fumed about Martial's lack of desire against Newcastle and criticised his former club for their dreadful run of results against the top nine teams in the Premier League.

Analysing their recent showing in the north east, Keane explained that Martial is not good enough to play for United and suggested the Frenchman isn't good enough to play in the English top-flight.

'Have to focus on players at the club at the moment. We mention Martial, first few touches he got last night, we forgive Martial the fact he scores a goal every 14 years I forgive a player for that,' Keane said on Sky Sports.

'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 and defensively all over the shop and they seem like a load of strangers,' he added.

Ten Hag's side have so far failed to win a single Premier League game away from home against any of the division's top nine teams since the Dutchman took over in