Manchester United pair Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes were criticised by Roy Keane after Phil Foden scored the opener in Sunday’s Manchester derby. The Manchester City forward found the net 18 minutes into the game at the Etihad Stadium, punishing United’s defensive mistakes in emphatic fashion.
Roy Keane blasts United’s defending
City’s breakthrough came when Jeremy Doku dribbled past Shaw too easily on the left. After his first cross was blocked, he regained possession and crossed again, and Foden headed into the far corner for his first league goal since January.
At half-time, Keane expressed his frustration on Sky Sports: “Very good from City, Doku and Foden… timing perfect. But United’s defending, the two midfielders beforehand are too square and Shaw just gives up. It’s a nice bit of skill, but Shaw’s an England international player. It’s like he has thrown the towel in.”
Keane also noted Fernandes’ lack of defensive awareness, accusing the captain of letting Foden run free. “We know people can run off the back of Bruno, that’s been going on for years,” he added. Such poor organisation left United vulnerable against City’s relentless attacking movement.
🎙️ Roy Keane on Manchester City’s goal:
“Shaw just gives up. It's a nice bit of skill from Doku, but it's far too easy. It's like he has thrown in the towel. United had all the numbers back.” pic.twitter.com/B3oBXH6oHJ
— SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) September 14, 2025
Richards points finger at Fernandes
Micah Richards agreed, focusing his criticism on Fernandes. “Once the ball is over at that side, now you have got to read the danger and he just loses Foden there. Just switches off and it wasn’t good enough,” Richards said.
City grew in confidence after the opener, with Doku later setting up Erling Haaland to double the lead before the striker hit the post in search of a second. Their dominance highlighted United’s lack of resilience in crucial areas.
Author’s opinion
Keane’s blunt verdict underlines a wider problem. United still fail to show defensive concentration in key moments, and City punish those errors every time. Until the mentality sharpens, derby days may remain painfully one-sided for Amorim’s side.