Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has strongly criticized Christian Eriksen`s sluggish performance during Manchester United`s 4-1 loss to Newcastle.
The 33-year-old Danish midfielder was outrun and outfought by Newcastle`s midfield, who dominated in 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 by backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir was playing because Andre Onana was dropped from the squad due to his errors in the Europa League game last Thursday.
Butt, who was seen with Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and David Ginola during the game, was very critical in his analysis.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Butt suggested that his former club did not show enough effort on Sunday and pointed out the lack of athleticism in Ruben Amorim`s struggling team.
Butt stated, “It`s easy to apologize, but when you`re on the pitch, you need to take action.”
“I didn`t expect Manchester United to win here. Newcastle are a better team, with better individual players, more athletic, more powerful, and faster.”
“I don`t understand how Manchester United can allow this to happen. I`ve lost 5-0 here as a player, so it`s possible. “
“But allowing it to happen without a fight is different. I didn`t see a single tackle or any aggression. No one stood up to challenge anyone.”
“You have to at least show that you won`t accept defeat easily.”
“They simply gave up and were beaten too easily. They lack power and pace. It`s disheartening to watch.”
“Looking at Christian Eriksen, who was once a top player, he now can`t move or run. It`s unacceptable.”
Barnes delivered a strong winger performance, while Eriksen and Victor Lindelof, who was a surprise starter, couldn`t contain him or any other Newcastle player.
Roy Keane also criticized Manchester United as “physically and mentally weak” after the game.
Keane also reignited his dispute with club captain Bruno Fernandes over a “meaningless” interview that was “full of clichés.”
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Manchester United`s worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish with less than 56 points, their lowest ever in the Premier League.
They can only reach that number if they win ALL of their last six games.
If they are not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one place above the relegation zone.
It was another bad day that reflects a poor season for United as Newcastle easily broke through their defense in the second half.
Ruben Amorim dropped goalkeeper Andre Onana after his poor performance against Lyon in midweek.
However, replacement Altay Bayindir also had a game to forget.
Sandro Tonali`s volley, two goals from Harvey Barnes, and a goal from Bruno Guimaraes canceled out Alejandro Garnacho`s goal.
Here is how SunSport`s Gary Stonehouse rated the United players…
Newcastle completed a league double over United for the first time since 1930-31, with Jason Tindall managing the team as Eddie Howe was absent.
Manchester United`s 14 league defeats this season equal their highest number in a single Premier League campaign, also losing 14 games last season.
They last suffered more defeats in a top-flight campaign in 1989/90 (16 in 38 games).
After being undefeated with Sporting Lisbon before joining Old Trafford, Amorim has now lost 10 Premier League games since his arrival.
Next, United will host Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, which is their last opportunity to qualify for the Champions League.
Amorim`s team is currently tied 2-2 after two significant errors from goalkeeper Onana, and his disagreement with Nemanja Matic still overshadows the match.
