Steven Gerrard has criticised six Manchester United players, saying they are not good enough for the club, in a blunt assessment of the squad.
United are 16th in the Premier League after a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. They have taken seven points from their opening eight matches, their worst start to a league season since 1986/87.
The team has won only two of 12 matches in all competitions this season, and the poor form could cost manager Michael Carrick his job. The former midfielder survived crisis talks on Monday, but club officials are discussing potential replacements.
Gerrard's criticism of the defence
Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard singled out the back four, including former England team-mate Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.
"If you go through the squad, the back four. Harry Maguire's had a really good career, Luke Shaw, I played with Luke (with England), he was top in his day," Gerrard said. "They're not Manchester United players anymore. They should have been moved on quicker."
He also criticised Lisandro Martinez, saying the defender was "only interested in the World Cup" last year.
"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," Gerrard said.
Midfield and wingers under fire
Gerrard also questioned the club's summer recruitment, pointing to midfield signings Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba.
"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," he said. "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. [Carlos] Baleba, £70million. He's got potential. He's not ready to help Manchester United compete at the top of the league now."
He also criticised winger Amad Diallo, comparing him unfavourably to past United wide players.
"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 said.
Manager's future in doubt
United spent £155million in the summer transfer window, but results have not improved. Their only two wins this season have come against newly-promoted Ipswich and Champions League debutants Sabah. Heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth last week highlighted their weaknesses and could lead to Carrick being sacked.
Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, ex-Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann and former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte are on the club's shortlist. There is also admiration for Aston Villa's Unai Emery and Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler, although neither is understood to be interested in switching jobs.
