Starting on the left flank, Noussair Mazraoui, Morocco international defender, is the target of criticism after Manchester United’s rout at Como (4-1). The Sun gave him a rating of 2 out of 10, and Peter Schmeichel named him directly.
Shipwreck at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia stadium. Manchester United sank heavily on the pitch at Como (4-1), in the Champions League, according to the Manchester Evening News. Handed a start on the left side of the Manchester United defence, Noussair Mazraoui, Morocco international defender, came in for fierce attacks in the British press, reports Mountakhab.net.
The British daily The Sun gave him the catastrophic rating of 2 out of 10 for his entire match. Mazraoui thus finds himself at the centre of criticism after a heavy defeat for the club.
Statistics that pile on the pressure
Analysts point to very negative statistics, according to SI FC: zero successful tackles, 67% of duels lost and a direct error against the opposition press. Moved into the centre of defence in the second half, Mazraoui failed to steady the back line, again according to SI FC.
On the post-match analysis panel, Peter Schmeichel, the former iconic goalkeeper and TV pundit, named Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt directly, according to the Manchester Evening News. Comments from a club legend that add to the criticism aimed at the Morocco international.
Carrick takes responsibility
Faced with the criticism, head coach Michael Carrick took responsibility for the rout at a press conference, while apologising to the supporters, according to the Daily Express. “It was more than disappointing. I think everybody has got to take responsibility for that. I 100 per cent take responsibility for the overall team and the performance. That’s where it stops – it stops with me and I’m absolutely fine with that.”, he said, in comments reported by the Manchester Evening News.
After the final whistle, captain Bruno Fernandes strongly challenged Carrick’s tactical approach, reports Goal.com.
In the stands, around 600 of the 700 Manchester United supporters present in Italy left the away section before the end of the match, according to the Daily Express.
Mounting pressure before the Premier League
This debacle is part of a dire run: Manchester United have now gone 7 consecutive matches without a single win, in all competitions, according to Mountakhab.net.
Matchday 9 of the Premier League looms this weekend, with Manchester United under very high pressure.