Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has strongly criticized Christian Eriksen`s lackluster performance during Manchester United`s 4-1 defeat against Newcastle.
The 33-year-old Danish midfielder was outrun and outplayed by Newcastle`s midfield, who dominated the second half after the score was tied 1-1 at halftime.
Alejandro Garnacho had equalized Sandro Tonali`s opening goal at St James` Park, but Manchester United struggled throughout the match.
Harvey Barnes scored twice in the second half, and Bruno Guimaraes added a fourth goal after a mistake from backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir was playing because Andre Onana was dropped from the team following errors in the Europa League game last Thursday.
Butt, who was seen alongside Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and David Ginola during the game, was very critical in his assessment.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Butt suggested that his former club appeared not to care during Sunday`s match, pointing to a lack of athleticism in Ruben Amorim`s struggling team.
Butt, a Treble winner with Man Utd, said: “It`s easy to apologize, but when you are on the pitch, you have to show it.”
“I didn`t expect Man Utd to win against Newcastle. Newcastle are currently a better team, with better players, more athletic, more powerful, and faster.”
“I don`t understand how Man United can allow this to happen on the pitch. I`ve lost 5-0 here as a player, it can happen.”
“But allowing it to happen is different. I didn`t see a single tackle or any aggression. I didn`t see anyone confront their opponent.”
“You have to at least show that you won`t accept being dominated.”
“They simply gave up and allowed themselves to be beaten too easily. They lack power and pace. It`s sad to watch.”
“Looking at Christian Eriksen, who was a top player, now he can`t move or run. It`s unbelievable.”
Barnes delivered an excellent winger performance, while Eriksen and Victor Lindelof, who was also a surprise starter, were unable to stop him or any other Newcastle player.
Roy Keane also described the Red Devils as “physically and mentally weak” after the game.
Keane also reignited his disagreement with club captain Bruno Fernandes over what he called a “meaningless” interview filled with “sound bites.”
Newcastle`s victory marks their first league double over United since the 1930-31 season, with Jason Tindall managing the team in Eddie Howe`s absence.
Man Utd`s 14 league defeats this season equal their highest in a single Premier League campaign, also recorded last season. They haven`t suffered more defeats in a top-flight season since 1989/90 (16 in 38 games).
After an undefeated run with Sporting Lisbon before joining Old Trafford, Amorim has now lost 10 Premier League games since taking over at Manchester United.
Next, United will play Lyon at home in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, which is their last opportunity to qualify for the Champions League. The score is currently tied 2-2 after the first leg, marked by two significant errors from goalkeeper Onana and the ongoing tension between Amorim and Nemanja Matic.
Marcus Bellamy