Sam Allardyce, former manager of Bolton Wanderers, said the biggest problem Manchester United have faced this season is their defence.
Allardyce said Ralf Rangnick, the interim manager of Manchester United, needed to solve the defensive problem in his team, adding that it was not about rocket science.
According to him, Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has saved more than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season.
Man United and Arsenal are currently vying for the last place in the Champions League. They are ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, in the English Premier League table.
The Red Devils moved into the top four last month, but have lost points in their last two games against Burnley and Southampton to slip away from West Ham United, who are currently fourth.
Allardyce told Ladbrokes: “The question is whether Manchester United, which has the biggest and perhaps the most talented team outside the top three, can come together and offer a series of games where they won’t foolishly drop points.”
“Ralph Rangnick is struggling to find the right balance between attack and defense at the moment. I find United’s defense very shocking right now.
“David de Gea has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, which shows where Man United’s problems lie.
“As a manager, it’s your responsibility to address this. As a manager, it’s up to you to fix it. If he can do that, he can get fourth, but if nothing changes, things will obviously be difficult.”
“I know that traditionally at Man United you have to attack, attack and attack, but no team can attack without good defensive work.
“No matter where you are in the standings, you cannot underestimate the value of a strong defense. If you want to win the championship, you must have the best defensive record.
“This is not rocket science, but no one wants to talk about it because they see it as one of the negative aspects of the game, when in fact it is probably the most important aspect.”
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