After Manchester United's 0-3 defeat to Liverpool, English soccer star Alan Shearer once again sharply criticized Manchester United's summer transfer strategy and team performance. He pointed out that despite a series of reinforcements and personnel adjustments in the summer, the performance of the team under the leadership of Temhag could not see a significant improvement, or even "no change".
Shearer's criticism is not empty. He had previously criticized striker Marcus Rashford by name during United's defeat away to Brighton, saying that the England international lacked the courage and determination to step up to the plate during the match. However, Ten Hagar chose to support his favorite player in the subsequent press conference, and even expressed his disdain for Shearer's criticism, saying his analysis was "stupid".
With United losing again this time around, Shearer's comments seem even more potent. He said bluntly, "Look at United's performance today, I fully understand why Ten Hagar tried to protect his players, he could not say something different." The implication is that Ten Hagar is well aware of the current state of the team, but has to choose to avoid the issue out of concern for the defense of his players and his own authority.
More worryingly, Shearer believes that the changes United have made this summer have not been reflected on the pitch. "I think it's a known fact that United haven't changed much this summer, isn't it? We've seen no change in United's performances for sure." This opinion certainly puts a big question mark over both United's summer transfer efforts and Ten Hagar's coaching ability.
For Manchester United, consecutive losses and external doubts have undoubtedly brought great pressure to the team. How to get back to form and prove their strength in the coming matches has become a problem that Ten Hag and the players have to face. As for the criticisms of Shearer and other celebrities, United should perhaps listen carefully, learn from them, and be better prepared for the coming matches.
