Roy Keane believes that the Manchester United players have escaped criticism for their underwhelming performances this season due to the level of scrutiny surrounding manager Louis van Gaal.

United lost 3-2 against Wolfsburg in Germany on Tuesday to exit the Champions League at the group stage but former captain Keane believes Van Gaal is orchestrating a squad with players who aren't good enough to represent the club.

'Disaster for them last night,' Keane said on ITV. 'I think Man United have a lot of good players, there is no getting away from that, but I don't think they are good enough for Man United, I really don't.

Roy Keane says the players Manchester United have are not good enough for the club

United crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday after a 3-2 defeat by Wolfsburg

Keane has stood up for manager Louis van Gaal, who is coming under intensifying criticism

'I think the manager is obviously getting a lot of criticism and a lot of the players are hiding behind that. People are talking about the tactics, the systems, but it is about the players as well. They are almost robotic.

'I think they lack real quality. When you think about Man United, you always associated they will have one or two special players ho can produce. They seem to be lacking a few characters, a few leaders.'

Dutchman Van Gaal has consistently faced questions regarding the low-risk style of play he enforces at Old Trafford. Three of United's last six Premier League matches have finished goalless, but Van Gaal's side are only three points away from leaders Leicester, and occupy fourth in the table.

'We talk about tactics and systems but sometimes it is about passion, desire,' Keane said. 'Man United players show a bit of character.

'I think managers get too much credit when things are going well and they get too much criticism when things aren't going so well.

Keane said that United are lacking in characters and leaders who show desire for the team

Keane rejected criticism of Van Gaal's tactics at United, saying under achievements are down to the players

United will take on Bournemouth on Saturday in the late match of the Premier League, seeking a victory

'There are a lot of experienced players on the team - (Michael) Carrick, (Bastian) Schweinsteiger, it is up to them to help the younger players. They've spent so much money it is untrue.'