Former Sky Sports anchorman Richard Keys has criticised Gary Neville's punditry role, claiming that he is "too close" to Manchester United.

Keys, who was sacked by Sky after making sexist claims against a female match official, has hit out at Neville for criticising United goalkeeper David de Gea following his mistake that led to Spurs' equaliser in last Sunday's 1-1 draw.

The former Sky pundit, who works for radio station talkSPORT, said on air yesterday: "I think he was sent out with an agenda.

"I don't think Gary would have done that had he not been told, 'Listen, finger him'. I don't think you can nail a goalkeeper in that way."

Keys also believes that Neville cannot carry out his punditry work as well as be a coach for the England national team.

"I don't think he can do both jobs," Keys told the Daily Mail. "It will continue to compromise him. He's also too close to Manchester United."

Neville retired from football in 2011.