Jamie Carragher responds to Erik ten Hag over ‘unfair criticism’ on Manchester United’s defence

Jamie Carragher was critical of Manchester United’s defending against Fulham (Picture: Sky Sports)

Jamie Carragher has doubled down on his criticism of Manchester United’s defence in response to getting slammed by Erik ten Hag.

The former Liverpool star used his Monday Night Football platform to highlight United’s systemic failings during last weekend’s shock home defeat against Fulham.

In particular, Carragher highlighted the enormous gap that existed between Ten Hag’s forwards and his last line of defence, which made it easy for the Cottagers to beat United’s limited press.

‘When I think of this Manchester United team, they defend like a team I’ve never seen before,’ Carragher told Sky Sports.

‘What I mean by that is they’re a team who like to press high with a deep block.

‘It’s impossible. They’re trying to do two things at the same time. You can only do one or the other. We’re all pressing high or all defending deep, they’re trying to do both.’

Ten Hag came out fighting earlier this week ahead of United’s FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest which his side won, thanks to a late Casemiro goal.

The Dutchman accused Carragher of being ‘subjective’ in his analysis and hinted the ex-Liverpool defender has been relentlessly negative in his appraisal of United since the start of his reign.

‘Some analysts are very objective in their comments, very good advice, some are very subjective,’ said Ten Hag.

‘Jamie Carragher, from the first moment on, has criticised and now he wants to make his point.’

Alex Iwobi scored Fulham’s winning goal against Manchester United last weekend (Picture: Getty)

United face an acid test of their top four credentials on Sunday when they face their local rivals at the Etihad and Carragher insists Ten Hag’s men will need a far more coherent tactical approach if they are to avoid defeat.

He told the Telegraph: ‘My analysis on Sky’s Monday Night Football last week was intended to demonstrate why United are so inconsistent.

‘Manager Erik ten Hag had a go back for what he perceived as unfair criticism.

‘He felt I have been critical from day one. Actually it was from game two when his United team lost at Brentford – but it was directed at the players, not the manager.

‘But fair play to him for saying what he did. I have nothing but respect and admiration for managers who defend themselves and their teams. If creating a siege mentality at United leads to positive results and improved performances, it is the perfect response.

‘There is no tougher challenge in football than facing Guardiola’s City, though. As usual, the champions are purring at the right time, so much so it would be foolish to write off the possibility of another treble.’

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