The pressure is piling on Manchester United and the criticism surrounding Ralf Rangnick’s side is showing no signs of easing.
For the third game in a row, the growingly vulnerable Red Devils have surrendered a one-nil lead and failed to kill the game off.
Southampton were the latest side to benefit from United’s wastefulness in front of goal, following yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Ralph Hasenhuttl, who was RB Leipzig boss when Rangnick was the club’s sporting director, gave an honest assessment of United’s struggles to implement the German’s famous gegenpressing style of play.
Speaking on last night’s Match of the Day, Hasenhuttl said: “At the beginning when they’re fresh it’s good because it works. The problem I think they have is that they’re are not use to doing it for 90 minutes and this is a very offensive way of playing football and this is hard stuff.”
Hasenhuttl was also quoted by Talksport: “It’s not a big secret that when they lose the ball the reverse gears are not the best from everyone.”
The Southampton manager’s open comments prompted a response from former Red Gary Neville.
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker asked fellow pundits Danny Murphy and Jermaine Jenas whether Hasenhuttl’s brutal comments were accurate.
Murphy said: “He’s [Hasenhuttl] bang on. Their [Manchester United] work rate off the ball is shambolic. Their tactical plan is poor.”
Jenas felt Rangnick’s side were “pulled apart” for Southampton’s equaliser and looked like they “didn’t have a clue at times”.
Not holding back, Murphy delivered a scathing assessment of where Manchester United are heading.
The former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder said: “Do you know what the worry is for Manchester United? They keep getting worse. They’re not getting better.
“I think the attitude isn’t right and whatever you’re trying to coach isn’t going to work if the attitude isn’t right.”
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