Roy Keane swears after Micah Richards asks how Man Utd can 'get their spark back' and it's classic Roy Keane

Roy Keane delivered a no-nonsense response to a question around Manchester United's current ownership – and it brought a smile to the face of fellow pundit Micah Richards.

Ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby at the Etihad, a topic of debate in the Sky Sports studio was the untimely dismissal of Dan Ashworth.

The 53-year-old, who only joined United as sporting director in July, agreed to his departure in a meeting with chief executive Omar Berrada after their Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Ashworth was in overall charge of football performance, recruitment and operations but after a short period, it was agreed by both parties that he was not a good fit.

Shorty after Gary Neville described Ashworth's departure as "bizarre" and "mystifying" a week on, Roy Keane was asked how the overall situation regarding United's ownership may have affected the mood at Old Trafford.

Sky reporter Kelly Cates, who has been linked with the soon-to-be vacant Match of the Day job, mentioned United's decision to raise matchday ticket prices, as well as the departure of Ashworth.

But Keane was not keen on using that as an excuse, instead taking aim at the performances of the players.

"Well it has obviously not been good and it has not been good over the last few years with off the field stuff and we are trying to figure things out ourselves," Keane began. "The last few months there was a feel good factor and they [Ineos] need a little bit more time.

"The morale at the club is not great when the first team aren't winning week in, week out and if they are cutting people's bonuses or whatever that might be, that affects everybody... the situation at United certainly isn't great.

"But I also think that the players do have a responsibility to try and lift the club and it is amazing how a few football results can give everyone a lift. What we have seen in the last few months is that the level of performances have been so poor.

"We've just looked at the league table there. I am always scratching my head looking at the league as it is hard to believe how bad they are. You have to find a spark, you have to find it in the dressing room."

"We can make excuses for this team all day long about what has gone on off the field and recruitment, but you have to find something, and create something in the dressing room."

Micah Richards, who joined Keane and Neville in the Sky Sports studio, interrupted his fellow pundit and asked: "How do you do that?"

Keane hit back: "I go back to it every b***** week on these programmes, the reason you play football - whether it be in front of 50,000, 60,000 or one man and his dog - the reality is you run.

"City and United over the last few months have been easy to play against and that's the biggest insult you can have as a footballer. United have to turn up today, whatever is against them, and show some fight, show some spirit, desire to defend a corner, desire not to give daft free-kicks away, players to close people down.

"As mad as it is, we see a number of characters at Manchester United and they don't turn up but we still believe; 'Maybe next week'.. Time is running out for a lot of these players.

"We have got to see it in the derby. I think today is a great day for United, it is an opportunity for all of us sitting here - the doubters - to see United turn up and give the fans something to celebrate, just today, the big picture? [There are] Huge problems. But focus on today, beat your city rivals."

Do you agree with Keane? Let us know in the comments.