Liverpool icon Graeme Souness has launched a stinging attack on Manchester United, labelling them a "mediocre" team with no hope of securing a Premier League top-four finish this season.
A Damning Verdict on United's Prospects
The criticism follows United's chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday night, a result that marked their third consecutive home game without a win. The Red Devils squandered the lead three times in an eight-goal thriller, leaving them stuck in sixth place in the table.
Souness, speaking to Sky Bet, was unequivocal in his assessment. "Manchester United are still a mediocre team," he stated. "Is it Ruben Amorim's fault? Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are good players, but the rest are mediocre, and I don't see them getting into the top four, which is what they have to do."
He emphasised the club's urgent need to return to the UEFA Champions League for financial and sporting reasons, but firmly dismissed their chances of achieving it this campaign.
The Problem of Inconsistency Under Amorim
A major issue highlighted by Souness is the team's baffling lack of consistency. Despite a £214 million summer spending spree that brought in attackers Mbeumo, Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, performances remain wildly unpredictable.
"What Ruben Amorim has with that group of players is that he doesn't know what he's going to get from them," Souness explained. "You're sitting there with a couple of plasters and a bit of faith. 'What are we going to get today? I hope everyone's at it today.' That is the problem with Manchester United right now. You don't know what you're getting from this group."
Midfield Muddle and the McTominay Mistake
Souness also pinpointed the midfield as a critical area of weakness. While he acknowledged Bruno Fernandes as an "exceptional creator," he was scathing about the contributions of Casemiro, whom he called an "ordinary Joe," and Manuel Ugarte.
He believes the club made a significant error in selling academy graduate Scott McTominay to Napoli for £25 million in the summer of 2024. "They sold the best one, Scott McTominay. He was better than those two, and he's grown into his position since he's been at Napoli," Souness claimed.
The pundit also disagreed with United legends like Paul Scholes, who have criticised Amorim's handling of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Souness argued that Mainoo lacks the defensive understanding for a central role and even suggested Scholes would have "toasted" him in his playing days.
"Mainoo is a completely off-the-cuff player," Souness said. "If Paul Scholes had played against Mainoo, he would have toasted him because he would never be where he should be when Man United don't have possession."
With United's form remaining erratic, Souness's verdict paints a bleak picture of the immediate future at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim.
