Jamie Carragher went off on Matthijs de Ligt following his shocking outing for Manchester United against Tottenham.
Man United suffered a bruising 3-0 home defeat to Spurs last weekend.
Their latest setback has put enormous pressure on Erik ten Hag, who reportedly faces just two matches to turn things around ahead of a potential dismissal.
On Monday Night Football, naturally, Man United’s showing against Spurs was analysed as Carragher and special guest Graham Potter took a closer look at their performance.
And Carragher ruthlessly dissected the Dutch defender’s positioning as he pulled no punches in a scathing assessment.
On Spurs’ opening goal, which saw Micky van de Ven cut open Man United’s backline, he said: “I’ve noticed this with De Ligt and a lot of centre-backs… I don’t understand why they don’t fill the space and come over. I see this so much.
“The striker just behind him has got nothing to do with him. That’s Martinez’s job, if De Ligt goes over, Martinez comes across.
“He’s looking over his shoulder, forget that! Forget it! Get it here!”
Carragher added: “It was a brilliant run. It was amazing. But Van de Ven runs because he sees the space. Listen, the full-back gets caught out but again I want to go to De Ligt.
“This sums Manchester United up for the last two of three years. Pressing but always being late. They’re locked in here, the front three of Tottenham are locking the back four in.”
On a second-half incident which saw Spurs create a chance, he continued: “But where is De Ligt?! The right-back has come up here, look where De Ligt is! You’ve got to get over!
“In every situation there in that first-half, two massive chances and a goal, in De Ligt – a player they’ve brought in for huge money – he’s completely out of position every time. He ends up flying into challenges and you’re leaving yourself in a situation where you can get yellow and red cards.”
Man United have lost three of their opening six league games this season and have just seven points on the board.
The Red Devils resume their faltering league campaign on Sunday against Aston Villa.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/Premier League
Topics: Football, Jamie Carragher, Manchester United, Matthijs De Ligt