Boycott labels Solskjaer's United as 'disappointment'

Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott has criticised Manchester United's performances said that it is difficult to watch the football the team plays.

Published : May 10, 2019 13:50 IST

Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott criticised Manchester United's form and style of football while also questioning Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's credentials to manage a club of United's stature.

A United of 55 years, Boycott was speaking at the Manchester United's Player of the Year awards on Thursday. When asked what the club meant to him now, Boycott replied, "Disappointment, more than anything!"

Boycott also had a straightforward assessment of the club under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, under whom United went 15 Premier League matches undefeated after being appointed as the caretaker manager in December, 2018 following Jose Mourinho's sacking.

The run prompted United to offer the Norwegian a permanent deal in March, 2019 after which the Red Devils' performances took a nosedive registering just two wins from 10 matches, including a humiliating 4-0 loss to Barcelona across two legs in the Champions League quarterfinals.

"For half of the season, there was hope, some enjoyment, some good time. Somehow it has faded away towards the end," he told the club's official channel MUTV .

READ | Shaw scoops Man United awards as Pogba misses out

"The football hasn't been inspiring. If anything, they have let themselves down and the people who supported Man United down. It is not just the results, some of the football (they played) has been hard to watch," Boycott said.

The former England batsman expressed his doubts over Solskjaer's capabilities of managing a big club as Manchester United after spending three years as the manager of Norwegian side Molde FK after a brief spell at Welsh side Cardiff in 2014.

"He doesn't have the record of experience, does he? He did short time at Cardiff and resigned honorably. He has looked after a team in his home country, but its not the Premier League," he said.

The Red Devils are currently sixth in the table with all the hopes of Champions League football next season extinguished.

 

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