Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has branded the current crop of players available to Ruben Amorim as “confused” following the side’s loss to Brighton and Hove Albion.
United went behind inside four minutes after Yankuba Minteh turned in Kaoru Mitoma’s cross. Bruno Fernandes levelled from the penalty spot halfway through the first period, before second-half goals from Mitoma and Georginio Rutter put the game to bed.
The third goal in particular was a disappointing one, as Yasin Ayari’s low cross was spilled straight into the path of Rutter by goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Ruben Amorim has now won three, drawn two and lost six Premier League matches since replacing Erik ten Hag at the beginning of November.
Speaking to Premier League Productions after the final whistle, Hargreaves said, “They [United] never looked like scoring.”
“They scored from a penalty, that was it. Brighton had one disallowed, scored three and had numerous chances outside of that. When you see the graphic there, the last six results, everybody is giving United trouble.”
“I mean, Southampton are last place with six points from 60 and could have got something. So when you think you’re going to play Newcastle, Bournemouth…you’re going to get punished. And I think that’s the worry for Amorim.”
“He’s come in and said, ‘Look, I’m going to play this way.’ You’d have to say it doesn’t suit the players that they have right now. It’s not just about playing your way, which is fine. You have got to find a way to get results. That’s it.”
Hargreaves added, “I think they struggle to keep the ball with this formation sometimes. To progress between the lines because it’s only two midfielders, I think it’s hard to keep it. So you’re relying on individual moments like Amad to get out of trouble.”
Asked whether he’s seeing the right attitude and application from the United players, Hargreaves replied, “I don’t think it’s an attitude thing. I think the boys are trying.”
When further quizzed about whether they look confused, Hargreaves pointed out, “They probably are confused because they’re trying to do what the manager wants and they’re going to do it because if they don’t, they’re not going to play.”
“But I think the recruitment has been a huge issue over the last three, four years. Look at Brighton, they had six players in that starting XI, who would start for Manchester United. That should never happen, ever, with the utmost respect.”
“They shouldn’t have players that get into the United team. They shouldn’t even get into the 18 and they got six that would start at United. It goes back to recruitment.”
Hargreaves emphasised that United need to get recruitment right going forward.
Featured image Gareth Copley 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!
