Steven Gerrard has named six Manchester United players he believes are "not good enough" for the club, speaking shortly after the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
Michael Carrick's position is under intense scrutiny, with United languishing in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone. Carrick is expected to take training on Tuesday, but his future beyond that is uncertain, with Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann being eyed as potential replacements.
Gerrard's verdict on the squad
Speaking on the Overlap Daily, Gerrard said: "Manchester United, if you go through the squad, they've got some good players. Bruno Fernandes is the best player. I look at him and when I watch him and when he's at it, even though I'm a Liverpool fan, he's a pleasure to watch. He's a terrific footballer talent-wise."
"But if you go through the squad, the back four. Harry Maguire's had a really good career, Luke Shaw, I played with Luke, he was top in his day. They're not Manchester United players anymore. They should have been moved on quicker."
Gerrard also criticised Lisandro Martinez, saying: "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."
Midfield concerns
Turning to midfield, Gerrard said: "You look at the midfield, they signed a player from Chelsea, £50 million, [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."
"[Carlos] Baleba, £70 million. He's got potential. He's not ready to help Manchester United compete at the top of the league now."
Gerrard also assessed the wingers, 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."
Recruitment impact
Santos arrived from Chelsea for £50m in the summer, while Baleba was a late signing from Brighton and Hove Albion for around £70m. They were Carrick's two most expensive signings of the summer and the two pillars of United's midfield rebuild.
It has yet to have the desired effect, particularly in the last two matches when United were overrun in the middle of the park by Como and Bournemouth.
