Former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie claims Scott McTominay and ‘half’ the Manchester United team are ‘not good enough’ to play for the club.
Erik ten Hag’s first competitive game in charge of the Red Devils did not go to plan as they suffered a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Brighton in their Premier League opener at Old Trafford.
Both McTominay and Fred were roundly criticised for their part in the loss. But they were not the only United players who had an off day against the Seagulls.
It was the first Brighton have ever beaten United at Old Trafford and skipper Harry Maguire labelled it a ‘nightmare start’ to the season.
Ten Hag claimed poor ‘organisation’ for the defeat, while he also opted to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting XI.
Speaking after the game, the Dutchman said: “I knew from the start it will not be easy and it’s a process, it takes time. But you don’t have time. We have to win games.
“We should have done it better.
“It was unnecessary how we give two easy balls away. And I think in organisation was a big mistake.
“It was not the way we make it thought out. We make it clear how to deal with situations when we’re dropping.
“But OK, that happens. We have to analyse and we have to take the lessons from it.”
United problems start in midfield
But while Ten Hag refused to name any names, McAvennie believes United‘s troubles start with McTominay and Fred.
He told Football Insider: “My thoughts on half the team, the boys are not good enough.
“Some of them are not good enough to play for Man United. It’s alright doing it in pre-season but they haven’t been doing it in the Premier League.
“Fred, McTominay, for me they’re not good enough for Man United. I’m not saying they’re not good players but Man United is a huge club. For McTominay and Fred to be a mainstay in that team is criminal.”
McTominay played 37 games for United across all competitions last season, scoring twice and adding an assist.
United, meanwhile, will have the chance to right the wrongs of Sunday when they head to Brentford next weekend.
The game is likely to be an emotional one for Christian Eriksen after his heroics with the Bees last term.
Thomas Frank gave Eriksen a first shot a returning to the field after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. And the Dane did not disappoint as he eventually earned a move to Old Trafford off the back of his displays for the London club.