Manchester United’s latest setback, a crushing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford, has drawn harsh criticism from club legends Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, and Roy Keane, Soccernet.football reports.
The legendary trio voiced their concerns after watching a lackluster United performance that highlighted recurring defensive issues, particularly focusing on Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
Casemiro, who joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2022, endured a torrid afternoon as Liverpool dominated the Red Devils.
Despite his illustrious career, the 32-year-old struggled to cope with Liverpool’s intensity, prompting Erik ten Hag to substitute him at half-time.
The Brazilian’s costly errors, including giving away possession that led to Liverpool’s opener, were heavily criticized by Scholes and Keane.
Reflecting on the defensive mishap that led to Liverpool’s first goal, Paul Scholes expressed his frustration with United’s organization.
“Mainoo is ahead of the game, the Liverpool lads are behind them, and look at the space they have got. One, two, three. It’s five against three. It’s not good enough. You have to be so much more disciplined in those areas,” Scholes said on PremierLeagueProductions.
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Michael Owen also weighed in, noting that Erik ten Hag was visibly upset with the foul that led to Liverpool’s second goal. However, Owen acknowledged that the goal was a result of poor play by Casemiro, not an unfair decision.
“We will have a look at the challenge. I know Erik ten Hag was sitting right in front of us and he was certainly complaining for the foul,” Owen said, before conceding that it was indeed a tough half for Casemiro.
Roy Keane, never one to mince words, was particularly scathing in his analysis.
“Same old problem,” Keane said during Sky Sports’ analysis via TheExpress. “Leopards and spots. They (United) were very open, sometimes it was just one or two passes. They got away with the first goal (from Trent Alexander-Arnold) which was disallowed, and obviously there have been mistakes.
“The second, Casemiro here for all of his experience, that’s not a first-time pass. It’s not worth the risk. And of course, when they lose it they are all over the place.”
Keane further questioned the positioning of full-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, arguing that United’s defensive disarray made it easy for Liverpool to capitalize on their mistakes.
The defeat, coupled with last week’s loss to Brighton, has intensified scrutiny on Erik ten Hag, despite his success in winning the FA Cup last season.
The murmurs about his future are growing louder, especially as United’s Premier League campaign stumbles early on.
In contrast, Liverpool’s flawless start to the season continues, with Arne Slot’s side displaying a calmness that belies their understated summer transfer activity which included the late acquisition of Federico Chiesa.
