Manchester United are a ‘SHAMBLES’ and have ‘lost’ their identity, claims ex-Liverpool star… as he slams the way players ‘swan around like they have a fear factor when they have NONE’

Jason McAteer has criticized Manchester United after their poor start to the season, insisting the club have ‘lost their identity’.

Despite the close score, United were defeated 4-3 by Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening and the defeat means Erik ten Hag’s side have now lost four of their first six games in 2023/24, including three in a row.

Their poor performances have been accompanied by off-field problems at the club, meaning wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho are currently unavailable for Ten Hag.

And McAteer – who played for Bolton, Liverpool, Blackburn and Sunderland in the Premier League during his career – hit out at United, insisting they were no longer the team they once were, with a raft of problems plaguing Ten Hag.

“You know what else they’ve lost about their identity?” he said being into sports. ‘No one is afraid of Manchester United anymore.

The former Liverpool star also stressed that United no longer have a fear factor for other teams

“They used to come to Anfield and it would be like if we were in a match today, we could lose this.”

‘We would never think that way about anyone, but it was clear that Man United were dominant throughout the 1990s so we would have to compete against them. They had that fear factor and they don’t have it anymore.

“Their identity is gone and I think sometimes Man United go around as if it is still there, as if they can walk into someone’s backyard and take over.”

McAteer also criticized some stars from the first team and claimed that the necessary strength and fight are missing within the Ten Hag team.

He added: “They don’t have the players who want to put in the hard numbers when the going gets tough.

‘Fernandes, will he roll up his sleeves as captain? No. Antony, Rashford, Martial? (Martial) They can’t even get him fit and he doesn’t even want to play.

Erik ten Hag’s faltering team has now lost four of the first six games this season

McAteer also criticized the struggles of several first-team stars, including captain Bruno Fernandes

‘And you have a midfield that is not diligent. That is the first thing you need as a football club when things are not going well: players who are willing to roll up their sleeves, give the best of themselves and win tackles to influence the game. They have none of that.

‘The whole dynamic of the club, from top to bottom, is a mess, it’s a mess.’

Along with Bayern, United are joined by Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen in their Champions League group, with the two teams drawing 2-2 on Wednesday.

The Red Devils are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Turf Moor to take on newly promoted Burnley at 8pm.