Manchester United almost left north London with no points before salvaging a point at Tottenham - but Usain Bolt has been left unimpressed with the way they are defending
Usain Bolt has expressed his concerns with Man Utd - particularly the way they defend
Usain Bolt has expressed his concerns with Man Utd - particularly the way they defend
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Usain Bolt has hammered Manchester United for inviting pressure having watched the Tottenham stalemate and urged Rio Ferdinand to use his status and say something to the squad.
The Red Devils conceded two late goals in north London and had been facing the prospect of a 2-1 loss. That was before Matthijs de Ligt came up with a 96th minute equaliser as Ruben Amorim's side returned home with a point and their unbeaten run in tact.
United do appear to have turned a corner in recent weeks, winning three and drawing two of their last five outings. The Jamaican sprinter is not impressed though and wants to see notable changes to the way the team has been defending.
Speaking to the ex-United star he begged the defender to make contact with some of the players to teach them some of the basics. He said on Ferdinand's YouTube channel: "I just watched the United game, one of our biggest problems is when we invite pressure onto ourselves.
"They're always running back, all we do is invite pressure. Please (Rio), I'm begging you man. Get to the team and say something. You are one of the greatest defenders Man United ever had, please bro, it's stressing me out.
"I know you have nothing to do with this but tell the guys to pass the ball quicker. Oh my god bro. They don't know how to defend one-on-one. Shaw is the only one that seems like he understands. All they know is system, lineup and play well. They don't know how to step up, push the defender and then go back into your line. I push up (as a defender) and the midfield slots in. Please Rio, get to somebody."
United have conceded 18 times so far this season - the joint most of any side sitting in the top half of the table. They have looked more assured since settling on Senne Lammens as their goalkeeper, but issues still remain.
Tottenham scored two late goals on Saturday and almost downed the Red Devils
Tottenham scored two late goals on Saturday and almost downed the Red Devils
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Ferdinand was less alarmed than Bolt, claiming fans need to temper their expectations with Amorim very much in a rebuilding phase. The team finished 15th last term and a return to the European places this term would be seen as a step forward.
"We're still in this rebuilding phase and I think that's why we've got to manage the expectations of fans," he said. "I've seen some people going off on one, going crazy saying, 'the manager ruined it with his substitutions'."
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