"I'm left scratching my head" - Michael Owen says Manchester United 'haven't got a clue' what they're trying to achieve
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen expressed his frustration upon the Red Devils, stating that the club haven't had a clear objective since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. His comments came after their rather fortuitous 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash.
United continue to make headlines for the wrong reasons after failing to meet expectations yet again this season. They have exited both domestic cup competitions, and trail leaders Manchester City by 17 points in the Premier League. Rangnick's men aren't expected to go all the way in the Champions League either.
It goes without saying that United have been on a downward spiral since their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013. Many world-class managers have been brought in to replace the Scotsman, but none have been able to create a lasting legacy at the club.
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The likes of Louis van Gaal and David Moyes were nowhere near the expectations at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho had a fair spell with the Red Devils, winning the EFL Cup and the Europa League. However, that doesn't make much of a difference to Owen, who was quoted as saying on BT Sport in this regard:
"How many times have we been down this road. Since Sir Alex they've gone out and got the best man available every single time, Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho."
"They've had so many great managers and let's be honest, none of them have really cracked it with the quality they had. Yes you can say they won a League Cup or Europa League, but come on," continued Owen.
The Englishman went on to suggest that what United need right now is a manager who will stay true to a defined system of playing.
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He said:
"I think United just need someone with a structure, come rain or shine this is how we're going to play. I still watch United and still haven't got a clue what they're trying to achieve, I'm left scratching my head. There's something missing."
It was a tale of two halves yet again for the Red Devils as they were largely outplayed by Atletico in the first half after deservedly taking the lead. United showed some resurgence in the second half and scored a goal late in the game. However, their trend of playing inconsistently continued in this important clash.
Manchester United in a scrap for top four
The Red Devils currently occupy fourth position in the Premier League table with 46 points in 26 games. However, they face a tough battle to hold on to the fourth spot, as clubs behind them have games in hand.
Manchester United are four points clear of fifth-placed West Ham United. Sixth-placed Arsenal are four points adrift of United, but have three games in hand. Seventh-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers (40) and eighth-placed Tottenham Hotspur (39) have two games in arrears.
Manchester United play Watford on Saturday, February 26 and hope to keep the momentum going in the league. They have to win all their remaining games and hope that their top-four rivals falter somewhere along the way. The race is truly bound to keep football fans hooked.