Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer tore into Manchester United stars Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot for their woeful performance in the first half of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Everton.
United were trailing 2-0 by half-time courtesy of goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
It seemed like Ruben Amorim’s men were headed for another defeat as they struggled to match Everton’s desire and physicality, both on and off the ball.
However, Fernandes scored a stunning free-kick to breath some life into his side. Manuel Ugarte fired home with 10 minutes left on the clock, to ensure the spoils were shared at Goodison Park.
Despite the spirited fightback from the Red Devils, Shearer did not forget what happened during the opening 45 minutes and especially had some harsh words for Fernandes, Dalot and Hojlund.
The former Newcastle man was not impressed with the trio’s defensive efforts, labelling them “pathetic.” He slammed the manner in which Dalot stood off Jack Harrison while the Toffees were attacking and also blasted Fernandes and Hojlund for some pitiful pressing.
Shearer said on Match of the Day [via Daily Mail], “Watch Man United, watch this, I mean this is pathetic.”
“You’ve got players who are walking. There’s no point in going in ones and twos, look at the space Everton have got to play in. Look at Harrison, look at Garner.”
“Both wanting the ball, both wanting to receive the ball. And if they get it, Dalot is eight yards off. Why aren’t you one yard off and if they get it, putting a crunching tackle in? Then the run of Garner at will, at ease.”
“All of sudden they’re into your back three. Same thing again, you go from left to right, take two touches, three touches, pick your head up, pick your pass, go wherever you want because it’s so easy for you, because no one’s working.”
Shearer added, “To me it’s Confused.com. I’m not sure they know what they’re doing in there. Look at the effort or lack of it.”
“Everton’s second goal is the worst one of the lot. Watch this from Bruno Fernandes, when Doucoure gets the ball. Seriously is that the best you can do?”
“Take a touch, play in behind and Everton get the goal which they really deserve. So the difference between the two teams and for 72 minutes Man United were hopeless. I look at some of the players and they’re really struggling.”
United are back in action on Wednesday when they host Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
