Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes there is a fundamental problem of commitment at Manchester United.
In recent weeks there have been reports that some players do not necessarily see eye-to-eye with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, and Jadon Sancho’s continued exile would potentially back up Lawrenson’s belief.
Speaking to Paddy Power about the match-up between Newcastle United and Manchester United, Lawrenson suggested that Eddie Howe’s men are likely to come out on top.
He said: “Manchester United’s chances of beating Newcastle United are slim, simply because of their lack of form. It was obviously a really good win against Everton but without that wonder goal [from Alejandro Garnacho] it would have been very different.
“You can’t be two goals up in the Champions League and concede goals like they did against Galatasaray.
“Kobbie Mainoo was arguably United’s best player against Everton. Everything he did was nice and simple, and he saw a pass well. Looking at them now, it’s a little bit heads and tails. Heads that they might play well and tails they don’t.
“It’s alright the manager taking the blame and saying it was his fault, but some of the players have to get on with it. There are too many players whose heads go down when they concede. They have some really good players but they’re not all rowing the same way in the boat.
“I don’t get the impression that these United players are fighting for themselves, the club or the manager.”