Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has singled out seven Manchester United players he believes are not good enough for the club, speaking on The Overlap Daily.
United are in crisis after winning just two of their last 12 matches across all competitions, although the club has decided not to sack manager Michael Carrick for now. The Red Devils face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend as they look to end an eight-game winless run.
Gerrard's Criticism of United's Squad
Gerrard, a former Liverpool captain, picked out each United player he thinks is not fit for purpose, starting with Harry Maguire. The 33-year-old defender has been at United since 2019, but Gerrard believes his time at Old Trafford should end, saying Maguire has had a "really good career" but "should have been moved on quicker." Maguire's contract expires next summer, with the club holding an option to extend it by another 12 months.
Luke Shaw, who played alongside Gerrard for England, was also criticised. Gerrard said: "I played with Luke, he was top in his day," but added: "He's not a Manchester United player anymore." Shaw is out of contract in June 2027.
Martinez and Santos Under Fire
Centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who has been critical of the United hierarchy in recent weeks, was another target. Gerrard remarked: "Lisandro Martinez last year, only interested in the World Cup. He's come back, he's seen that the players haven't signed, the four or five that he wants… in his world. Selfishly comes out and speaks then gets injured, goes off at half-time with a kick [against Leeds] and he's fit the next game. That stinks to me."
Summer signing Andrey Santos, who joined from Chelsea for £50 million, was also singled out. Gerrard said: "You look at the midfield, they signed a player from Chelsea, £50million, [Andrey] Santos, not a Manchester United player. Then it goes to recruitment higher up. Why are you signing players that are not good enough to play for Manchester United? These [are] the only players you can attract now, but he's not a Manchester United player."
Amad Questioned
Gerrard also questioned Ivorian attacker Amad Diallo, saying: "You look on the sides of the pitch. When I played against United, you had [Ryan] Giggs, [David] Beckham, world-class players. I look at the sides of the pitch. Young Amad [Diallo]. Hot and cold. When he's good, he's good. But hasn't shown nothing this season."
Gerrard's comments come as United prepare for their next fixture against Chelsea, with the pressure mounting on Carrick to turn results around.
