Jamie Carragher ruthlessly criticised one of Manchester United’s stars during the Red Devils’ 0-0 stalemate with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The visitors picked up a valuable point against their bitter rivals, who headed into the Premier League weekend at the top of the table, but both sides struggled to impress at Anfield with unconvincing performances in attack.
Liverpool dominated possession but failed to capitalise on their opportunities during the listless affair, lacking quality in the final third.
Meanwhile, Manchester United defended well enough to keep the Reds at bay but continually chased shadows in midfield, struggling to get a meaningful run of possession until the match opened up in the final stages.
Liverpool legend Carragher, who was analysing the match while on commentary duty, noticed how Manchester United summer signing Sofyan Amrabat was continually beaten by Reds attackers in the first half.
The Morocco international, who is on loan from Fiorentina and started the match in midfield for Manchester United, was shown a yellow card in the 35th minute after bringing down Liverpool’s Luis Diaz.
Amrabat’s booking prompted a bemused Carragher to question why Erik ten Hag had started him in the engine room alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay.
‘I don’t know why they’re playing a man-to-man system. He [Amrabat] can’t run,’ the former defender said.
The Moroccan’s work rate and composure impressed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last year, but the midfielder’s lack of pace has been highlighted since his summer move to Old Trafford.
First-choice defensive midfielder Casemiro, who enjoyed nine trophy-laden years at Real Madrid before joining United, was unavailable through injury while Bruno Fernandes missed out with a one-match suspension.
Disgruntled Red Devils fans took to social media on Sunday to slam Amrabat’s performance, with some calling for him to return to Fiorentina in January.
‘Hear my prayers Lord – let them return Amrabat to Fiorentina,’ one fan said.
Another added: ‘I’d send Amrabat back to Fiorentina in January tbh.’
A third said: ‘Yes. Amrabat I’m afraid you’re going back to Fiorentina next season.’
