• FA Cup

Manchester United defence 'absolutely disgraceful'

Former captain Roy Keane has labelled the Manchester United defence "absolutely disgraceful" following their 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, but insisted that Louis van Gaal has to be given time to turn the club's fortunes around.

Speaking in his role as a BBC TV pundit, Keane was less than sympathetic to United's rear-guard, suggesting they were responsible for giving away two soft goals to gift the visitors their victory.

"It's absolutely disgraceful. Schoolboy errors and that's what costs your team," stated the Irishman who won 13 major honours in his time at United.

"Big moments in a football match and if you give Arsenal, with the quality that they have, that type of freedom that's what happens. It was too easy, shocking. Absolutely disgraceful."

Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia made errors in the build-up to Arsenal's goals that were scored by Nacho Monreal and Danny Welbeck, with Keane typically unforgiving in his assessment of the decisive moments in the tie.

"I think Arsenal deserved it when you consider the shocking defending from United," Keane added. "United as the home team needed to do a bit more and whatever happened at half-time, they never got going in the second half.

"I was critical of the first goal, but that [second goal] was even worse. United needed to do more, they never got going in the second half, so I don't begrudge Arsenal the win.

"There is a time to play and a time not to - Phil Jones should have cleared it. Valencia, of course, compounded his first half error. I think the keeper can sacrifice and take Danny [Welbeck] out of the game. He would get sent off but he could have made the sacrifice and now they are out of the FA Cup.

"I'm looking at it in terms of the defending and character and putting your body on the line. The lads have just downed tools there."

Van Gaal has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as his team have struggled to impress despite picking up solid results in the Premier League, but Keane suggested a rush to judgement on his tenure as United manager would not be help to the club's long-term prospects.

"Louis van Gaal's going to be criticised after the game, but you've got to give him a chance. It takes time, he's only been in the door five minutes.

"A lot of fans don't understand the game and how much of a challenge it is to run a club the size of Manchester United. They should've given David Moyes more time [last season], but they didn't."

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