Manchester United news: Opponents targeting players’ lack of fitness, says Everton’s Michael Keane

The Toffees humiliated United in a 4-0 victory after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer voiced complains over his side's fitness

Manchester United’s lack of fitness has become a targeted weakness for their opponents, according to Everton centre-back Michael Keane.

Everton humiliated United 4-0 on Sunday, causing an incensed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to question the spirit of a number of his key players after suffering four defeats in their last five games.

But Keane claimed that Solskjaer’s willingness to highlight his players’ fitness shortcomings, combined with the game being played on a blistering hot day, was successfully identified by Marco Silva ahead of the game.

“We knew it would be tough for them because they had a game midweek," Keane said after the match, in which the Toffees ran United ragged. "It was a boiling hot day. We wanted to get in their faces and make it difficult for them. We knew they would tire as the game went on.

“I think the two goals in the first half helped open the game up and we managed to get a few more. It was such a hot day, it was a matter of keeping the ball and waiting for the chances to appear.”

Solskjaer labelled his side’s performance as the worst of his reign and claimed that he wasn’t sure if some of his players cared enough to play for the club.

“You’ve got to ask them, I’ve asked them," Solskjaer said. "You’re not gonna get the answer from me. But if you want to play at this club it has to mean more.

“I want them to be the hardest working team. That’s what we were, under Sir Alex. You ran more than anyone every single week, a shift up and down that pitch for your teammates, and we have to stick together as a team.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could not say if his Manchester United players cared enough to play for the club (AFP/Getty)

“We can’t change the whole squad. It has to be one step at a time.

“I said all along I’m going to be successful here and there are players there that won’t be part of that successful team. But there are players there who do have it.”

The victory resumed Everton’s recent upturn in form and erased memories of their dismal 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage last week, which marred a great spate of results including wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and now United.

The three points took Silva's side into seventh, joint on 49 points with Watford - however the Hornets have a game in hand - with Keane determined to secure a Europa League position.

“We wanted to get back to the form we have shown at home lately. We had a dip last week at Fulham. We came off the back of a few great results going into that game and we wanted to get back to that. We did that today.

“With the points we have dropped at certain places this season it is disappointing for us but I think we have started to show that consistency – albeit with a disappointing result last week but we have bounced back straight away. That is what you have to do.

“We have only got three games left now. We have got to look at each game, try to win them all and see where that takes us. Seventh is definitely within reach but anything else we will have to see.