Manchester United's modern-day legends have unleashed a scathing critique of their former club's performance in the demoralising 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester City, branding the display at Old Trafford as 'embarrassing' and 'painful to watch'.
The Verdict from the Legends: A Brutal Assessment
Speaking on TNT Sports' post-match analysis, the trio of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and Paul Scholes did not hold back in their assessment of Erik ten Hag's side. Their collective frustration was palpable as they dissected a performance that saw United dominated in their own backyard.
'It was men against boys,' lamented former captain Wayne Rooney, capturing the overwhelming sentiment that City were in a completely different class. Rio Ferdinand pointed to a stark 'gulf in quality' between the two sides, a chasm that has become a recurring theme in recent derbies.
System Failure and a Lack of Identity
Paul Scholes delivered a particularly damning indictment of United's tactical setup, suggesting the team lacks a coherent plan. 'What is the plan? What is the identity?' he questioned, highlighting the confusion that seems to plague the current squad. The midfield maestro expressed concern that players are being deployed out of position, leading to a disjointed and ineffective performance.
The experts unanimously criticised United's passive approach, noting that they allowed City to control the game from start to finish. The lack of pressing, urgency, and belief was a common thread in their analysis, painting a picture of a team seemingly resigned to its fate against the Premier League champions.
Erik ten Hag Under the Microscope
The performance inevitably turned the spotlight onto manager Erik ten Hag. The legends questioned the Dutchman's strategy and his ability to bridge the gap with their fierce rivals. While acknowledging the injury crisis affecting the squad, they argued it was not a sufficient excuse for the sheer lack of competitiveness on the pitch.
The defeat leaves Manchester United languishing in the bottom half of the table, raising serious questions about the direction of the club under its current leadership. For the legends who once defined the club's relentless winning culture, the current state of affairs is a difficult reality to accept.
