Manchester United interim manager Ralph Rangnick has defended his players after they were accused of showing a lack of effort during their 4-1 derby loss to Manchester City.
Speaking on Sky Sports, United legend Gary Neville said his former team was "a disgrace in the last 25 minutes" at the Etihad Stadium, while Roy Keane said the performance in the second half was "shameful" and "unforgivable".
Asked later about the comments, Rangnik said City - who won thanks to two goals each from Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez - were the better team, especially in the second half, during which United scored just 21. % captured and did not have a shot, but refused to admit that his players had given up after the score was 3-1.
"I didn't get the impression that they didn't try," Rangnik said.
"It's tough against Manchester City because they are the best team on the planet. I can't blame anyone for not trying but it was tough after the third goal."
During a tense post-match news conference, Rangnik was also forced to dismiss speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo had missed the game after he was told he would not be part of the starting XI.
"I have to trust my medical department," he said.
"Our doctors came to see me Friday morning before training and said that Cristiano could not train due to some problems with his hip flexor and the same was true on Saturday and therefore he could not be part of the team."
Forward Edinson Cavani was still missing despite returning to training on Thursday, meaning Rangnik was forced to start as a false nine alongside Bruno Fernandes.
"If the players tell the doctors that they are not fit and cannot play, then I have to accept it," Rangnik said.
"Idi trained in the last three days, he trained well but even after those three training sessions he felt he was not fit to play. As a manager I can't force a player if he doesn't feel fit to play."