Alan Shearer believes this is the “worst Man United team” he has ever seen, even though Erik ten Hag has a fully fit team to choose from.
United have endured a dismal season, with Ten Hag’s men languishing in eighth place in the Premier League heading into the final week of the campaign.
While they have reached the FA Cup final, where they will face Manchester City, they are on course for their worst Premier League result, having lost a record 14 games in the renowned top flight and conceding 71 goals in total . competitions, the most since 1971.
They were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage, were recently beaten 4-0 by Crystal Palace and lost 1-0 to Arsenal with a lackluster performance and a leak in the Old Trafford roof.
“I think it’s the worst Man United team I’ve ever seen in my life,” Shearer, who was born in 1970, said on The Rest Is Football podcast.
Alan Shearer believes he is watching the ‘worst Man United team I have ever seen’
United are on track for their worst Premier League result and have won just one of their last eight
“You can’t criticize their effort, they tried (against Arsenal).
“But in terms of skill, and I know they have a lot of injuries, but could you argue against me being the worst I’ve ever seen?”
The injuries are definitely a relief – United have suffered more than 60 first-team absences this season.
However, they are not in the top three of the Premier League in terms of cumulative games lost due to injury.
While United players have missed 233 games, Brentford have 255, Newcastle 258 and Chelsea 309.
While Erik ten Hag has been forced to improvise with 14 different centre-back pairings and place Casemiro in the center of defence, there is little excuse for the Brazilian not being able to push up before Arsenal scored.
“They have been in decline for so long that it will take a long time for them to get closer.” “They’re miles apart,” Shearer added.
“Even the players you mentioned who are injured, even if they are all fit, it will still take a long time for them to challenge, to be where City are or where Liverpool or Arsenal have been.
Micah Richards feels United’s young stars have to take on too much responsibility
United’s torrid season continued on Sunday when they lost 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford.
“They’re a million miles apart, even with that.”
Micah Richards expressed his sympathy for United’s young stars who have borne such a burden.
Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have come under considerable pressure.
“I have to agree (that this is the worst team) because they’re just not ready yet. They don’t have the guidance they need,” Richards said.
‘Having to constantly watch young players deal with the field and on the field, will the coach be here? There is no long-term plan.
“I feel sorry for the players because right now the very good, young, top players look very average, and they are better than that.”
But Wayne Rooney has argued that some of his injured stars can actually play.
“Some of those players can play at 100 per cent,” United’s top scorer told Sky Sports.
Erik ten Hag’s side have been plagued by injuries, with the Dutchman naming 14 different centre-back partnerships this season.
Wayne Rooney accused Manchester United players of not wanting to play for the club and faking injuries
Marcus Rashford (second right) is one of the United players who missed the game against Arsenal.
Captain Bruno Fernandes (left) and midfielder Mason Mount (right) were also not present for the match.
“Because they are getting a bit of support, it is easy for players to sit out and come back to the FA Cup final and prepare for the European Championship.
“I have seen it with my own eyes over the years. The players who have been injured are not getting any credit at the moment and the coach is taking all the blame for it.
“I think the players really have to look at themselves, because when you have your manager doing an interview and he talks about the attitude and that the attitude of the players is not the right one to play for Manchester United, that is a huge insult.”
“If I see my manager saying that, then there’s no way I’m going to let it go until the end of the season. And it seems like some players are just trying to get to the end of the season.”
Speaking on Sky Sports, Roy Keane echoed Rooney’s thoughts, saying: “Obviously that’s not a good sign.” I think there are always some players in every club who can be delayed by injury.
“There are many players who at certain stages of the season have an injury or lack of confidence and are out, they are not in a hurry to return to the team.”