JAMIE CARRAGHER has slammed Manchester United’s £43million signing Matthijs de Ligt for his performance against Tottenham.
The Liverpool legend and pundit questioned why De Ligt seems to be “out of position all the time” after United were thrashed 3-0 by Spurs.
Erik ten Hag was reunited with his former Ajax defenders De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich this summer, after the club finished eighth last term.
But De Ligt has endured a tough start at Old Trafford.
He is part of a back four which has conceded three goals in consecutive home matches, having also struggled in United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
The defence looked as leaky as ever against Spurs, who burst through United with ease and rained shots down on keeper Andre Onana‘s goal.
And Sky Sports pundit Carragher has singled out De Ligt by launching a scathing attack on his inability to smell the danger in Tottenham’s attacks.
When analysing Timo Werner‘s chance, Carragher said: The rest of the defence is awful, it always has been when they lose possession.
“But where’s De Ligt? The right-back has come out here but look where De Ligt is! You’ve got to get over.
“Two massive chances and the goal, De Ligt, a player they brought in for huge money, is completely out of position all the time.
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“So he ends up having to go flying into challenge and then you leave yourself in a situation where you can get yellow cards and red cards.”
Carragher then condemned De Ligt for his positioning during Brennan Johnson‘s opener – born from a stunning 70-yard run from Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven.
Carragher said: “I’ve noticed this a little bit with De Ligt and a lot of centre-backs.
“I don’t understand why they don’t fill the space and come over – I see this so much.
“The striker behind him has got nothing to do with him. That is Lisandro Martinez’s job. If De Ligt goes over, Martinez comes across.
“Now again he’s actually looking over his shoulder here – forget that. Forget it, get here to the right-hand side!
“It was a brilliant run, it was amazing, but Van de Ven runs because he sees the space.”
Meanwhile, United legend Paul Scholes has backed Carragher’s claims.
He told Premier League Productions: “When you bring players in, you expect them to be a lot better than who you’ve already got.
“I don’t see players coming in who are a big difference. De Ligt has come in for Maguire, let’s say, but there’s no big difference there.”
United sit 13th in the Prem after winning just two of their first six games, with three defeats along the way.
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
