Two Man United players led a furious half-time inquest into Manchester derby performance

Man United suffered an embarrassing defeat against their cross-city rivals.

Two Manchester United players were heavily critical of their teammates at half-time of the Manchester derby on Sunday, according to reports. Manchester City beat the Red Devils 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scoring hat-tricks for the home side. Man City were leading 6-1 at one point before Anthony Martial scored twice for the visitors to make the score line more respectable. At half-time, with the Premier League champions leading 4-0, two Man United players led an inquest in the dressing room, according to reports. Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez are said to have torn into their teammates and questioned their courage and approach to the match. The pair were so loud that Man City staff members were said to have overheard them let rip at the United players. Man United manager Erik ten Hag is understood to have stood by and let Fernandez and Martinez rant at their teammates. Speaking to MUTV following the game, Ten Hag said he would allow his players to criticise and openly question one another as they try to pick up the pieces after another humiliating loss.

"It’s an open door, this performance is unacceptable," the Dutch coach said.

"As a team and as individuals we will criticise each other tomorrow and then we will learn the lessons and we have to do better, starting (with) the next game."

Man United's next Premier League match is away to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday evening. Before that, they face Cypriot side Omonia in the Europa League on Thursday. Related links.

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