Michael Owen has criticized Manchester United’s centre-backs following their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly highlighting their failure to contribute to the team’s efforts. The former England striker’s frustration stemmed from the lack of defensive presence when Spurs’ James Maddison scored the match’s only goal in the first half.
Maddison was quick to react after a shot from Lucas Bergvall was parried by United goalkeeper Andre Onana, calmly slotting the ball into the net from close range. Owen pointed out that none of United’s central defenders—Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, or Noussair Mazraoui—were in position to deal with the situation. The goal exposed the defenders’ inability to anticipate or react to a dangerous scenario, ultimately leading to another disappointing result for the club.
Owen, known for his blunt assessments, was particularly scathing in his evaluation of the centre-backs, stating that they “literally do nothing” to help the team. He suggested that their lack of awareness and defensive contribution summed up the poor performances from the United backline, which has been a recurring issue this season.
The criticism comes at a time when United’s defensive frailties have been under increasing scrutiny. The club’s ongoing struggles have been compounded by individual errors and an inability to prevent simple goals, such as the one scored by Maddison. For Owen, the failure of the centre-backs to react quickly enough highlighted a broader issue with United’s defensive cohesion, with defenders not taking responsibility when it mattered most.
Maguire, de Ligt, and Mazraoui will certainly be aware of the growing pressure on them to improve, as United continue to battle for consistency at the back. Owen’s comments reflect the frustration of many fans and pundits, who feel that the team’s defensive unit has yet to live up to the required standards. For United to move forward, stronger performances from their central defenders will be crucial.
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