Former Manchester United centre-back Mikael Silvestre has blasted Ralf Rangnick's side, claiming they don’t know how to defend.
The Frenchman was speaking after United’s 4-0 humbling at the hands of Liverpool, in which the visitors conceded twice within the opening 22 minutes. Silvestre, who won four Premier League titles and a Champions League at Old Trafford, said that fans wouldn't have been surprised by the result.
He claimed that the deficit could have been even more if Liverpool hadn’t eased off for 20 minutes of the second half, during which time United managed to muster their only shot on target. Speaking to Sky Sports, the former France international said United’s defensive issues were laid bare in their previous match.
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“I think most of the United fans won't be surprised by the result because after conceding two goals at home against Norwich, you could see that defensively there was no unity and a lack of commitment," he said. "And also I think the players don’t know how to defend.
“We have to be critical. When you play five at the back, it’s solid, and when you concede a goal within the first five minutes, it’s killing your game plans. So the odds were against United and 4-0, it could have been even more (but) for the 20 minutes Liverpool took their foot off the gas. It’s no surprise to see that type of result for United.”
The result damages United’s hopes of a top-four finish but maybe more significantly deals a massive blow to morale around the club. A lot of the criticism has been aimed at captain Harry Maguire, who defended his performances this season in an interview before the Liverpool thrashing.
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