Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has strongly criticized Christian Eriksen`s lackluster performance during Manchester United`s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
The 33-year-old Danish midfielder was outpaced and outmaneuvered by Newcastle`s dominant midfield, who took control in the second half after the score was tied 1-1 at halftime.
Alejandro Garnacho had equalized Sandro Tonali`s opening goal at St James` Park, but Manchester United never seemed to be in control of the game.
Harvey Barnes scored twice in the second half, and Bruno Guimaraes added a fourth goal after a mistake by backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir was playing because Andre Onana was dropped from the squad due to his own errors in the Europa League game last Thursday.
Butt, who was seen alongside Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and David Ginola during the match, did not mince words in his assessment.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Butt suggested that his former club appeared indifferent on Sunday and pointed to a lack of athleticism in Ruben Amorim`s struggling team.
Butt, a Treble winner with Man Utd, stated: “It’s easy to apologize afterwards, but when you are on the pitch, you need to take action.”
“I didn`t expect Manchester United to win here. Newcastle are a superior team, with better players, more athleticism, more power, and more pace.”
“I am baffled how Manchester United can come onto the pitch and allow this to happen. I once played here and lost 5-0, so these things can occur.”
“But passively allowing it to happen is different. I didn`t see a single tackle or any aggression. I didn`t see anyone confront their opponents.”
“You must at least demonstrate that you won`t accept defeat lying down.”
“They simply surrendered and allowed themselves to be defeated too easily. They lack power and pace. It`s disheartening to watch.”
“Looking at Christian Eriksen, he was a fantastic player, but now he lacks movement and speed. It`s unacceptable.”
Barnes delivered a classic winger`s performance, while Eriksen and Victor Lindelof, who was a surprising starter, were unable to contain him or any other Newcastle player.
Roy Keane also criticized the Red Devils as “physically and mentally weak” after the game.
Keane also reignited his disagreement with club captain Bruno Fernandes regarding a “meaningless” interview that was “full of sound bites.”
Newcastle achieved a league double over United for the first time since the 1930-31 season, with Jason Tindall managing the team in Eddie Howe`s absence.
Manchester United`s 14 league defeats this season equal their highest in a single Premier League campaign, matching last season`s 14 losses.
They last experienced more defeats in a top-flight season in 1989/90 (16 defeats in 38 games).
After being undefeated with Sporting Lisbon before joining Old Trafford, Amorim has now suffered 10 Premier League defeats since his arrival.
Next, United will host Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, which represents their last opportunity to qualify for the Champions League.
Amorim`s team is currently tied 2-2 after two significant errors from goalkeeper Onana, and his dispute with Nemanja Matic continues to cast a shadow over the tie.
