Manchester United legend Roy Keane has called for Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand to show their leadership qualities and help the club out of its slump.

United have struggled to adjust to David Moyes in his debut season in charge at Old Trafford, and the champions are currently seventh in the Premier League, 18 points off leaders Chelsea.

Keane, who is now the assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland, has called for United's experienced stars to coax the younger players out of their slump.

The Mirror quotes him as saying: "Giggsy, Rio, they've got to step up to the plate. One or two of the new players are getting a little bit criticism, but it's up to the players who have been there a few years, who know what Manchester United are about.

"They are lacking a few leaders at the moment. I don't think they have that type of player in the group anyway. There is no point expecting certain players to lead when they are not that type of character.

"There's no problem losing football matches, but you can lose in a good way. The way United have lost the last few games has been more upsetting than anything else. They have to get certain players in, certain characters to make sure they battle for every minute of every game."

United were beaten 3-0 by fierce local rivals Manchester City on Tuesday.