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6 months ago
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Man United players have been 'stealing a living' this season after a horror campaign, according to a Liverpool legend - who savaged defender Jonny Evans.
The Red Devils' turbulent season went from bad to worse after being thumped 4-0 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night - with several players highlighted for criticism after some woeful performances all round.
Manager Erik ten Hag has come under immense pressure and may not survive a review by new football chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe this summer, despite the club booking a place in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City.
United have struggled for confidence this season after a number of high-profile errors and poor results - including six defeats at home in all competitions - with the team dumped out of the Champions League and coming close to exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Championship Coventry.
And in the wake of United's eye-opening loss at Palace, Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has stuck the boot into United players and questioned their work ethic after being played off the park and outfought by Palace.
Manchester United players are 'stealing a living' this season, according to a Liverpool legendThe Red Devils were savaged after being run ragged by Crystal Palace in a 4-0 defeat
The Red Devils were savaged after being run ragged by Crystal Palace in a 4-0 defeat
Speaking to Paddy Power in response to Jamie Carragher calling United the 'worst coached team in the league', the ex-defender said: 'They probably are the worst coached team! When you think about, you know exactly how every team is going to play against you and you know where their problems will be.
'The whole Manchester United thing just doesn't ring true. I'd love to know what they do in training. I look at some of the players and they are just stealing a living – they really are. They've not been helped by the manager but they're stealing a living.'
Lawrenson - who played 356 times for the Reds, winning five First Division titles, the European Cup, three League Cups and one FA Cup, took another swipe at manager Ten Hag for his team selections and tactics - claiming that United have looked 'so open' under his leadership.
'If he gets beaten in the FA Cup final by Manchester City, he's probably going to go but to be honest, in terms of where the team are, I just don't get it,' he added.
Mark Lawrenson hit out at United and said they were 'the worst coached team' in the league under Erik ten Hag
'They've had loads of injuries, but you shouldn't pick a team that is so open. Just pack it with four midfield players and make it difficult for the opposition.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were among the main scapegoats for the Palace hammering after they were bypassed in midfield and lack intensity to compete with their counterparts.
But Lawrenson instead chose to focus his frustrations with goalkeeper Andre Onana and defender Jonny Evans, who re-joined United on a one-year deal to help add depth to the Dutchman's team last summer.
He suggested Evans was 'Championship' level - adding that Casemiro had 'no chance' while playing in the backline in south London.
Lawrenson also took aim at defender Jonny Evans and said he would 'do well to play in the Championship'
'Over the course of the season, I've not been convinced by Andre Onana,' he said. 'Someone has told him that he's really good with feet – but someone should tell him to concentrate on his hands first!
'Going through the team; Jonny Evans would do well to play in the Championship – but it's not his fault he's playing. Casemiro had to play as a centre back and had no chance.'
He also questioned players' attitudes after the game after Antony was seen covering his mouth while speaking to Mason Mount as they came off the pitch at full time.
'Jamie Carragher was right about the players covering their mouths on the way off the pitch talking. It was absolutely rubbish. I'd love to know what was said in the dressing room at half time.'
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