Ashley Young, who played for Manchester United 261 times between 2011 and 2020, was critical of his former team, stating they lacked effort, organization, leadership, and a drive to get on the ball and create.
Ashley Young, a former Manchester United player, has criticised the “disjointed” Red Devils for their lack of work ethic and leadership in their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Spurs overpowered Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford, with Brennan Johnson scoring just three minutes and Bruno Fernandes being sent off in a dismal first half.
Dejan Kulusevski scored twice in the second half, and Dominic Solanke added a third to compound United’s agony and put pressure on Erik ten Hag after back-to-back 3-0 Premier League home losses.
Young, who played 261 games for United between 2011 and 2020, was critical of his former team, claiming they lacked effort, organisation, leadership, and a willingness to get on the ball and create.The Everton right-back even said Tottenham looked like the home team, saying the London club were “comfortable” at Old Trafford.
“Manchester United just didn’t commit,” he told Sky Sports. “There was no effort, no work rate, no one ran, and there were no leaders on the field.
“Everything appeared disconnected. There appeared to be an overwhelming number of people scattered around the area. Nobody wanted to take the ball or produce anything. Everything was horrible from beginning to end.
“When we chatted at halftime about who was the home team, Tottenham were so at ease. They did not do nothing. They didn’t fall behind. Tottenham’s two center backs were not disturbed. It appeared like Tottenham were the home team; United fans would be upset, and rightfully so.Marcus Rashford, however, had a forgettable day, making a mistake in the build-up to Johnson’s opening goal before being substituted for Rasmus Hojlund – but Young feels he may thrive if allowed more freedom, as Cole Palmer does at Chelsea.
“He needs a more open role,” he remarked. “He’s at his finest when the manager tells him to ‘go and express yourself’. With his contributions to this football team, he has earned the right. “Hopefully, his confidence will gradually return.”
“Much like what Chelsea did with Cole Palmer. We saw Palmer play on the right, but it wasn’t a good fit. He’s most effective when he has greater freedom. That, I believe, applies to Marcus as well.
“If he was to be given more of a freedom to play and express himself, I think we’ll see the best of him.”
