Rio Ferdinand believes David de Gea is the only Manchester United player who emerged with any credit following Sunday's derby defeat.
The Red Devils were outclassed by Manchester City at the Etihad as the champions won 4-1.
But it was the manner of the loss that has seen those on the red half of Manchester come in for heavy criticism amid accusations from some that they "gave up".
City's dominance came as no surprise, but they enjoyed a 15 minute period whereby they had 92 per cent of possession. That stat has not sat well with many, especially those formerly associated with United.
Ferdinand cited the second-half drop-off as a major concern and claimed few players will have seen their teammates up for the fight.
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He said on his Vibe with Five podcast : "In the first half we could say that Man United were in the game, but in the last 20 minutes, as (pundit) Roy Keane said on Sunday, and it was very true, we found out about players when the chips are down.
"We found out what they're really made of and what it is like when players are down and out almost on their knees. Who has the character?
"Who can you look in the eye and go: 'I still want to go to war with this guy?' Maybe it hasn't happened for us today, quality-wise, or with missed chances.
"But I know that geezer will work with me and for me and make sure we get by someway or somehow through perseverance or hard work."
Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard failed to impact the game when they were introduced by Ralf Rangnick.
De Gea conceded twice in each half, but has been singled out for the manner in which he conducted himself.
Ferdinand was asked which of United's player he would fight alongside for success on the pitch and replied: "After that 20 minutes I wouldn't think of many names. David de Gea, maybe, but it is different if you're a goalkeeper in that situation.
"Nobody covered themselves in glory. No one, out of the players that stepped on that football pitch in the last 20 minutes (covered themselves in glory)."
The defeat further dents United's hopes of making the top four and qualifying for next season's Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane were notable absentees at the Etihad, with Roy Keane questioning the Portuguese's reasons for not being available.
He said: "We talk about Ronaldo being a machine and very rarely getting injured… it doesn't add up to me."
