Gabby Agbonlahor believes Manchester United got their just desserts against Manchester City, especially Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes was at the centre of controversy in the first half when his theatrical reaction to a kick from Phil Foden got the City star sent off, even though replays suggested it was the United ace that instigated the red card.
But City would have the last laugh courtesy of Erling Haaland, even if refereeing governing body Pro Ref admitted his goal should not have stood.
Pro Ref's verdict unsurprisingly caused uproar among United's supporters given they were beaten by what has now been deemed an illegitimate goal.
But Agbonlahor felt the Red Devils should be looking in the mirror rather than stropping about over a retrospective decision.
Gabby Agbonlahor's brutal verdict on Manchester United's performance
"You lost the game because Fernandes didn't turn up, [Matheus] Cunha didn't turn up, [Bryan] Mbeumo didn't turn up," Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT Breakfast.
"[Diogo] Dalot was horrendous and right-back, [Patrick] Dorgu is not a left-back.
"You lost the game because when you went up a man, for 70 minutes, you decided to sit back. You decided not go to go for it.
"How can Manchester City be the better team with 10 men? You lost the game for different reasons.
"You didn't turn up, the occasion got to a lot of the players, not because of the goal that shouldn't have been given."
Agbonlahor then tore shreds off Fernandes, who he believes should have been sent for an early shower as well.
Gabby Agbonlahor rips into Bruno Fernandes
"At the end of the day, Bruno Fernandes is a cheat," Agbonlahor said.
"He's an outstanding player, but he's a cheat.
"You've kicked Foden twice on the floor, which should have been a red card to you.
"Then Foden's lashed out a tiny little bit and you're rolling around when you're not hurt.
"A proper referee goes over and says, 'You two, cut it out.' A yellow each, play on. It's never a red card.
"That's why you get your karma. Maybe the goal that should've been disallowed on Haaland, is the karma you sometimes get in football for the red card to Phil Foden."
The defeat was United's second of the Premier League campaign, having lost on the opening day against Hull.
Michael Carrick's side will now look to bounce back when they host Brighton on Wednesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup.