Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has slammed Manchester Manchester United players after a horrible display at the London Community Stadium against Brentford.
Manchester United was down to four goals before halftime. Two costly mistakes from David de Gea gifted Brentford two early goal leads. The Reds Devils are currently bottom of the Premier League table with zero points.
The Red Devils are yet to score a goal this season and had conceded six goals in two matches. The only goal they scored was an own goal by Marc Allister against Brighton.
However, Owen Hargreaves claims the Manchester United players look like they are not ready for the season after losing their first two Premier League games but heaped to the defense of David De Gea after his blunder.
What did Owen Hargreaves say about Manchester United players?
Speaking after the game, The former Manchester United and England international said: “They made some mistakes and the goals were poor.
“There was no fight to get back into the game, no tackling, no aggression.
“Football at this level is about competition, that’s how you make it. Brentford won every battle today. You’ve got to win the battles.
“They weren’t ready against Brighton and they weren’t ready again. Erik ten Hag is a super coach, he did an amazing job at Ajax, but these two games have not gone to plan.
“I don’t know how you can turn this around quickly. The confidence is just gone.
“It’s a privilege and honor to wear that football shirt. We’ve all been there as players and had terrible games, but you get through it by fighting and competing.
“Forget about the tactics, it’s about winning your individual battles.
“I was hopeful [we would see a response after Brighton]. I’m tired of being critical and negative. But what can you say? There weren’t any positives.”
Owen Hargreaves was quick to defend David de Gea when asked about his performance.
“Don’t put all the blame on [David de Gea].
“Yes he made a huge mistake, but there is plenty of time to get back into the game and fight back.
“David has been in those teams where they do fight back, but it was not there today.”
Meanwhile, David de Gea has taken the blame for Manchester United’s loss.
After his two goals gifted Brentford two goals in the first half has blamed himself for costing Manchester United three points.
“I think I lost three points to my team today, to be honest,” The Spanish international told Skysports
“It was a poor performance for myself. After the first mistake, and the second… it was a horrible day.
“It can happen in professional football, the mistake that I made. I should have saved the first shot, and then the result probably would have been different.
“I shouldn’t have played the ball to Christian Eriksen. Of course, we try to play, but they press over the whole pitch. I should have read it better.
“I cost us three points. It was an easy save, and it made it 1-0 to them. We have to react much better and be capable of scoring goals. It was a poor performance.
“It’s too easy in pre-season when you play for nothing. In these games that matter you need bravery, you need to be consistent. It wasn’t the case today and I need to keep working.”
