Micah Richards has offered a brutal analysis of Man United’s starting XI after suffering a humiliating defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.
After a stumbling start to the season, Erik ten Hag’s team faced the confrontation at Old Trafford in search of a victory that would serve as a basis against one of their rivals for a European place.
However, a Brennan Johnson goal after just three minutes quickly dashed those hopes and the night only got worse from there.
Andre Onana made several saves to prevent the deficit from increasing before the break, but the sending off of Bruno Fernandes for a reckless challenge on James Maddison ended hopes of a comeback before the break.
Ange Postecoglou’s team continued to press after the restart and their efforts were rewarded when Dejan Kulusevski doubled their lead in the 47th minute.
Micah Richards claimed only four Man United players could feature in one of the top six teams after their dismal performance against Spurs.
Erik ten Hag’s side have won just two of their first six Premier League games this season.
Richards named academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo as one of the few bright spots in United’s current squad.
Dominic Solanke scored the third goal for the visitors in the closing stages to complete the rout and put pressure on Ten Hag.
Speaking after the match on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards identified just four United players who he believes have the ability to play for the Premier League’s top six clubs.
“(Kobbie) Mainoo is definitely in the top six.” The former England defender said.
‘(Bruno) Fernandes too, Fernandes when he’s at it. (Marcus) Rashford when he is at his best, and (Lisandro) Martínez too.”
“Obviously he’s been inconsistent with injuries and all that kind of stuff. But that would be it.
Alan Shearer argued that his co-host was being “generous” and even the chosen four might struggle to earn a starting spot in the league’s top teams.
Richards added that United’s current situation reminds him of the one he found himself at Aston Villa after joining the club from Man City in 2015.
He also compared United to Aston Villa, who were relegated from the top flight in 2016.
Under the management of Tim Sherwood, the Villans made a number of signings ahead of the 2015-16 season but struggled to gel as a unit and were relegated from the top flight for the first time in almost two decades after winning just three league games in the entire season. the season.
‘You two (Shearer and Lineker) were at the top of your game until the end, but I’ve been in a (similar) position.
“It’s not that you’re not trying, all these players are trying.” “It’s a rift between the players and the coach,” Richards continued.
