Micah Richards disagrees with what he’s heard loads of people saying about Man United’s midfield

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Micah Richards has now claimed that he disagrees with what a lot of people have been saying about Manchester United’s midfield of late.

Erik ten Hag’s side came under fire again this weekend for another poor performance, this time against Bournemouth.

A point away to Andoni Iraola’s side isn’t the worst thing in the world right now, but it was United’s display that was particularly worrying.

Diogo Dalot, who’s actually enjoyed a fairly strong season, looked lost on this occasion at right back.

The full-back didn’t know whether to invert into midfield or go tight to his man out wide, and seemed to have no relationship with Willy Kambwala beside him.

Of course, the familiar questions regarding the gaps in Man United’s midfield also resurfaced once again.

Bruno Fernandes was superb in his attacking role, rescuing the point mentioned, but the midfield still looked bereft of structure.

That being said, Micah Richards rejected the idea that the United players in the middle weren’t working hard on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast.

Micah Richards insists Man United’s midfield aren’t lazy, they need help tactically

Richards initially explained that he felt sorry for Kambwala who was exposed at the back as mentioned.

The pundit didn’t believe there were players coasting through the game, but agreed that something needed to change.

He explained: “I felt a little bit sorry for Kambwala. Man United’s midfield don’t seem to be working together, they are working hard, I think a lot of people look at the team and say they aren’t working but they are working hard.

“It’s a tactical thing. We know [Kobbie] Mainoo is very good now, we know he’s more than a number six, he’s a number eight who can get into the box. 

“But sometimes him and Fernandes come on the same line and Casemiro, fantastic player but maybe doesn’t have the legs he used to have to dominate a midfield on his own, he needs a bit of help.

“So two of them will press, Fernandes and Mainoo, and there is a big massive gap and Casemiro has to go and engage and then young Kambwala is exposed.

“He’s a good player, he did very well in the Liverpool game, but at that age away from home you just need a bit more structure.”

Another sign that Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United is up?

Of course, this isn’t a new issue and fans must be perplexed that Erik ten Hag hasn’t fixed it by now.

Richards is completely right, United’s midfield isn’t constructed properly despite how good the players may be individually.

And although this team will still win games, there’s no foundation for consistency.

Yet, the Manchester United boss will still often come out and defend his team’s performances and therefore his tactics.

It’s puzzling that a manager who masterminded such a brilliant Ajax side in the past now can’t fix this issue.

All that being said, Micah Richards did also analyse Diogo Dalot’s performance in depth yesterday.