Arsenal legend Martin Keown has torn into Manchester United and delivered a scathing assessment of £52 million midfielder Fred - saying it's 'almost becoming a joke' when the Brazilian gets the ball.
The ex-defender was speaking after United were beaten by fellow strugglers Newcastle United, their third Premier League loss this season.
Keown highlighted United's lack of urgency on the ball, calling Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side 'inept' in possession, before questioning Fred's basic footballing skills.
'They're so inept in possession. Fred, it's almost becoming a joke when he gets the ball. I know it's good closing down but you've got to be able to control it and pass,' said Keown on Match of the Day.
'If that's the central midfield then there's not going to be anything created.'
United signed the midfielder, 26, from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in June last year but he has so far failed to impress - not scoring or assisting in seven games across all competitions this season.
Keown, who won three English league titles at Arsenal, also assessed how United's non-creative midfield means that Marcus Rashford is becoming isolated.
'They started playing balls long into [Marcus] Rashford and I feel sorry for him because he's surviving on scraps. But he should do better.
'Look at his body language… I think he's starting to despair with what's around him,' he said.
Alan Shearer also weighed in on the Rashford debate, noting that the poor quality of the players around him is having a detrimental effect on the young striker.
'This is the worst Man United team I’ve seen for a number of years,' Shearer said.
'I wonder whether anything is actually saying anything to him [Rashford]. [He's] not moving in the box. He’s making it far too easy for defenders.
'It has to be a very frustrating time for him because that team is awful.'
Keown added that the Red Devil's current form could even spell the end for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was publicly backed by club legend Ryan Giggs this week.
He said: 'You start to look at where the system is… where's the intensity? I think the belief is ebbing away and this could be the beginning of the end for this manager.
'I don't want to see a former player come in and leave the job but there has to be a spark, there has to be a reaction and it seems to just be spiralling out of control. This is a really poor result.'
yoacdmns
51
Now they blaming Fred who have been on the bench for most part of the season. Rashford and Lingard are whack. If this was to be Lukaku or Sanchez they wouldn't have sleep now they blaming one midfielder for a lackadaisical performance from the attackers
VanishPrasad
42
The current Manchester United team ; - Rashford can't shoot. - Young can't cross. - Fred can't control. - Pogba can't perform. - Infact Manchester United is a joke.
pukikr
40
This really has to be the worst Manchester United team I have ever seen I have said some years ago I have never seen so much players who can’t control or pass the ball properly and about three years after it’s the same players still doing the same thing under different managers the players at Manchester United are just not improving this club needs a total overhaul from management to players. I am not sure if Manchester United as a club cares how we the fans are feeling right now or how can fans can make there feeling herd but I am totally fed up I don’t even look at Manchester United play any more it’s the worst football I have seen in years
Vezonic22
38
Fred is one of those buys that now got us stretching our heads. I was hoping he'll be like Carrick or Scholes in our midfield.
vipaeku
37
Brazilian players care about the money 💰. Not about the club that pays them. They are thinking 🤔 about going back home and party 🎉 with your money 💰
Realmadridforlife555
17
Protecting English players and blaming foreigners