Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has claimed that one Manchester United star has been “slaughtered” by the media while another is “not the same” player anymore.
Erik ten Hag’s men have only five matches remaining across all competitions before the end of a tumultuous campaign for Manchester United.
The Red Devils can no longer climb into the Premier League top four with their remaining four league matches and will miss out on Champions League football.
United are sixth in the Premier League and hold only a one-point lead over seventh-place Newcastle, with the Red Devils six points adrift from fifth-place Tottenham.
However, United boss Erik ten Hag has reached back-to-back FA Cup finals and the Red Devils could still end the season on a high note with major silverware.
The club avoided an FA Cup upset at the hands of Coventry City in the semi-finals and will now face Manchester City in the final at Wembley on 25th May.
Ten Hag came within touching distance of the FA Cup trophy last season, only for United to lose 2-1 to Manchester City in the final at Wembley in 2023.
Richards on Man Utd star being ‘slaughtered’
Speaking on CBS Sports as part of the Champions League coverage on Wednesday, Micah Richards dropped his two cents on the problems at Manchester United.
Richards spotlighted the likes of former United star Paul Pogba and how it ‘didn’t work out for him’ during his spell at Old Trafford.
The 35-year-old former right-back said he played against Paul Pogba when he was “one of the best players in the world” during his time at Juventus.
While discussing players who underwhelmed at United compared with when they played elsewhere, Richards said Bruno Fernandes has come under scathing criticism.
“Look at how many great players Man United have had over the years,” he said.
“[Paul] Pogba went there. When he was at Juventus, I played against him. He was one of the best players in the world. He goes to Man United, [but] it doesn’t work out for him.
“[Bruno] Fernandes is being slaughtered in the media at times. He’s performing now in a team where he’s frustrated.”
Bruno Fernandes has come under pressure this season over his consistency at times and his antics on the field after inheriting the captain’s armband last summer.
Richards on Man Utd star who is ‘not the same’
During his comments on Pogba and Fernandes, Richards insisted that United star Casemiro is “not the same” as he was during his time at Real Madrid.
Casemiro was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world during his prolific playing spell at Los Blancos.
The 32-year-old Brazilian midfielder was widely hailed for his debut season at Old Trafford after United signed him from Real Madrid in 2022.
But Casemiro has seen his influence significantly wane at United and looked a shadow of his former self in the current campaign amid injury problems.
“Casemiro goes there from Real Madrid… he’s not the same Casemiro,” Richards added.
“They’ve got internal and external problems at Man United.”