Micah Richards has offered a brutal analysis of Man United’s starting XI after they suffered a humiliating defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.
After a stumbling start to the season, Erik ten Hag’s side entered the showdown at Old Trafford in search of a victory from which to build on against one of their rivals for a European place.
However, a goal from Brennan Johnson after just three minutes quickly dampened those hopes any the evening only deteriorated from there.
Andre Onana made several saves to prevent the deficit from growing before half-time but Bruno Fernandes’ sending off for a reckless challenge on James Maddison effectively ended hopes of a comeback before the interval.
Ange Postecoglou’s side continued pressing forward after the restart and were rewarded for their efforts when Dejan Kulusevski doubled their lead on 47 minutes.
Micah Richards claimed just four Man United players could feature for a top six side after their dismal showing against Spurs
Erik ten Hag’s side have won just two of their opening six Premier League games this season
Richards named academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo as one of the few bright spots of United’s current squad
Dominic Solanke made it three for the visitors in the closing stages to complete the rout and heap pressure on Ten Hag.
Speaking following the game on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards identified just four United players that he believes have the ability to play for the top six clubs in the Premier League.
‘[Kobbie] Mainoo gets into a top six side, definitely.’ The former England defender said.
‘[Bruno] Fernandes as well, Fernandes when he’s on it. [Marcus] Rashford when he’s at his best, and [Lisandro] Martinez as well.’
‘Obviously he’s been inconsistent with injuries and all that sort of thing. But that would be it.’
Alan Shearer argued that his co-host was being ‘generous’ and even the chosen four may struggle to earn a starting place in the best teams in the league.
Richards added that United’s current situation reminds him of his of the one he found himself at Aston Villa after joining the club from Man City in 2015.
He also compared United to the Aston Villa side who were relegated from the top flight in 2016
Under Tim Sherwood the Villans made a number of signings that summer but ultimately struggled to jel as a unit and were relegated from the top flight for the first time in nearly two decades after winning just three league games all season.
‘You two (Shearer and Lineker) were at the top of your game until the end, but I’ve been in [a similar] position.
‘It’s not that you’re not trying, all these players are trying. It’s a breakdown between players and manager,’ Richards continued.