Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United following their 4-1 collapse at the hands of Newcastle United, branding his former club a “weak team” and insisting that excuses can no longer mask the fundamental flaws in the side.

United fell to their 14th Premier League defeat of the season in alarming fashion at St James’ Park. Despite briefly levelling through Alejandro Garnacho after Sandro Tonali’s early strike, United were overrun in the second half. A clinical brace from Harvey Barnes and a late effort by Bruno Guimarães sealed a dominant victory for the hosts, leaving United’s Champions League hopes in tatters.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane pulled no punches in his assessment of Ruben Amorim’s team.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has hailed former Manchester United teammate Ryan Giggs as an ideal role-model for young players.

Keane said: "If you want to show any young, up-and-coming player an example of looking after yourself and being hungry for success, then you would certainly have Giggs up there.

"He deserves a lot of credit for that. He's a great pro and a top player."