'Absolute bloody rubbish' - Erik ten Hag ripped to shreds for praising Bruno Fernandes as Roy Keane suggests Man Utd should be 'embarrassed' by current Premier League position

The Red Devils overcame numerous injury obstacles as well as a malevolent atmosphere at Goodison Park to cruise to a comfortable 3-0 win on Sunday. Alejandro Garnacho's screamer was added to by an Anthony Martial strike and Marcus Rashord penalty - which was due to be taken by Fernandes. However, the Portugal star explained after the match that he handed the England forward the spot-kick in order for him to build confidence, and Ten Hag hailed him for his leadership after the full-time whistle.

However, former United midfielder Keane didn't hold the same opinion, and also suggested that United should be "embarrassed" by their current league position. The Sky Sports pundit stated: "He's giving toffee out there to Bruno for passing on the ball for the penalty. Absolute bloody rubbish. Absolute rubbish coming out with that. Manchester United are sixth now - if you went back a few years, if you were sixth you'd be embarrassed. But obviously they seem happy with sixth. They have a long way to go. Manchester United have to be competing with the best teams. That's including Liverpool, City, Arsenal, and obviously you've got teams like Spurs having a decent spell, Villa and of course Newcastle. They go to Newcastle next week - we'll see what Manchester United turns up. That's what they're supposed to do, turn up for the big games."

Sunday's result was by no means an anomaly, as United continue to be one of the Premier League's most form sides on paper, despite still being in sixth place. Ten Hag's men have now recorded five wins from six league matches since defeat against Crystal Palace on September 30, beating Brentford, Sheffield United, Fulham, Luton and Everton, with a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City the only blip. But Keane's words do ring true somewhat, as sterner tests await Ten Hag in the league and in Europe.

The first of these is a crunch Champions League clash on Wednesday. United travel to another hostile atmosphere in Istanbul, where they come up against a Galatasaray side who are also fighting for their European fate. Both teams sit outside the qualification places for the knockouts, meaning rock-bottom United need to get a win.