Ex Republic of Ireland footballer David Meyler explained on Football Saturday that he believes a lack of leadership, little drive to succeed and a toxic atmosphere are to blame for what’s gone wrong at Manchester United.
“They’re a club that has fallen off the face of the earth” said Meyler, almost foretelling what was to come at 5:30pm this evening.
“It’s remarkable to say because Man United are one of the biggest clubs on the planet and they’re a massive draw and appeal…but at the minute it’s like the whole thing is a complete mess” he continued.
Going on to detail the “whole host of problems”, the crux of the dilemma is that it doesn’t just boil down to one area.
Board issues knocked confidence and a lack of leadership all play a part, but one of the biggest problems Meyler explains is the attitude of the players.
“They’re crying out for a Roy Keane” he said, “That’s the big thing I look with United. It’s who’s going to drag them through when they’re down?”
“Some of the stuff those Manchester United players get away with is mind boggling.
To think you’re blessed to be paid week in week out to play football and they turn in some of those performances and give off the illusion that you don’t really care.
That’s the frustrating thing when I look at that team because they are very privileged. They need to knuckle down and put a shift in.”
Meyler, who played with Manchester United captain Harry Maguire during his spell at Hull, also outlined that a major deterrent inhibiting new transfers coming to the club is the “ongoing meme” possibility his former teammate and co face.
“His confidence has taken a big hit over the last few years because he’s constantly faced with this stuff online” he said.
“I do feel bad for Harry because some of his performance haven’t been as bad as they were made out to be, but unfortunately one error from him has cost them goals at times.
It’s going to be a tough few years for United fans…They need players to roll their sleeves up and fight hard.”
Football with Sky Ireland
Meyler was joined on the Football Saturday Panel today alongside John Duggan, Johnny Ward and Daniel McDonnell to talk all thing’s Premier League, Irish interest and everything in between.
