Former Manchester United defender Jap Stam has taken aim at the team's performance under Michael Carrick after their narrow 1-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City. The Dutchman was especially disappointed with the actions of the attacking quartet: Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Bryan Mbemo, and Mateus Cunha.
Erling Haaland found the back of the net in the 60th minute, but Stam believes that United must primarily focus on their own shortcomings rather than the opposition.
Stam said:
Looking at City in this match, they had it easy — even with ten men.
I found myself asking: when United players walked off the pitch, what were they thinking? Did they believe they had done everything possible? Is that all they are capable of?
Even breaking out from City's defence was straightforward. Just a couple of passes, a bit of possession, someone takes up another position, a quick one-two — and they could attack.
Even if you’re up against City with their quality, playing against ten men, you expect United to constantly push forward, be aggressive, and for the forwards to do their tracking back.
When you have the ball, and the opponent drops deep, you need to use the flanks, stretch the play, and put in crosses into the box.
But at times, watching their game, there’s no clear understanding of how to create chances and trouble the opponent.
Reflecting on Haaland's goal, Stam specifically highlighted the lack of urgency from United's attacking group:
A long ball is played, they win it, then City intercept — and look at United's attacking quartet. They just walk around and watch what happens.
In a team that truly wants to win, all 11 players contribute. You need to pursue the opponent. When you're playing against ten men, you have to track back and win those duels.
Only then can you retain the ball, transition to attack, and try to create chances and score.
After four matches in the Premier League, Manchester United have accumulated just four points. Carrick's side will face Fulham away in their next league match, while they first meet Brighton in the League Cup.
