Keane blasts United decision to start the departing Mata, 34, against Brentford

Roy Keane has criticised Manchester United's decision to play departing midfielder Juan Mata against Brentford.

The Spanish attacking midfielder, 34, will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires this summer after nine years at the club.

And United icon Keane blasted interim boss Ralf Rangnick's decision to start Mata as indicative of everything that's wrong with the club's culture.

He said: 'I'm surprised. It's his first start of the season, he obviously knows he's leaving the club. There's some loyalty there, giving him a run-out.

'He came on for 20 minutes the other night but starting a game is much different.

'It tells you where the mindset is. They are giving players a run-out for the wrong reasons.'

Ex-Chelsea star Mata, before Monday night's game against the Bees, had only played 59 minutes of Premier League football across four appearances, with only nine appearances in all competitions this season.

And former Red Devils captain Keane clearly feels the 41-cap Spain international was given a cameo outing in the club's last home game of the season to allow him to say goodbye to fans.

United are likely to miss out on Champions League football this campaign, and will be three points behind Arsenal and Tottenham in fourth and fifth respectively, having played two games more, even if they beat Brentford.