Manchester United have conceded eight goals in their first six Premier League matches of the 2024/25 season while managing to score only five. These troubling statistics cast serious doubt over the club’s defensive capabilities, especially considering that the Red Devils were the second-highest spenders in the recently closed summer transfer window, with a strong emphasis on strengthening their backline.

Despite their substantial investments, United have suffered some brutal defeats, including a 3-0 loss to Liverpool and a more recent 3-0 thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur. In light of these defensive struggles, former English footballer and current pundit Jamie Carragher has publicly criticized one of United’s new defensive signings, who arrived from Bayern Munich this summer.

Carragher’s comments further highlight the growing frustration among fans and experts, as United’s defensive frailties persist despite significant efforts to improve the squad.

Jamie Carragher slams Matthijs De Ligt

Following Manchester United’s defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, Jamie Carragher provided a detailed analysis of United’s new centre-back Matthijs De Ligt’s gameplay. The former Liverpool defender highlighted several key flaws in De Ligt’s style, specifically focusing on his overly aggressive approach and positioning. Carragher told Sky Sports:

“I’ve noticed this with De Ligt and a lot of centre-backs, I don’t understand why they don’t fill the space and come over. The striker just behind him has got nothing to do with him, that is Martinez’s job, if De Ligt goes over, Martinez comes across. He looks over his shoulder here, forget that! Forget it. Get here [the space Van de Ven runs into]. This is a brilliant run, amazing. But Van de Ven runs because he sees the space.”

Sky Sports

It’s worth noting that Matthijs De Ligt joined Manchester United this year for £42.7 million, becoming part of Erik Ten Hag’s so-called ‘Ajax United’ project, as the defender previously played under Ten Hag during their time at Ajax FC.

Despite enjoying a mixed stint at Bayern Munich, the 25-year-old has struggled to replicate that form at United. The club has conceded six goals in their last two home fixtures without managing to score, raising questions about De Ligt’s role in the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. His disappointing performances thus far have only added to the pressure on both him and Ten Hag as they look to turn things around.

Manchester United currently sit in a disappointing 12th place in the Premier League standings, far from where they’d feel comfortable. The inconsistency shown by key players is a growing concern for Erik Ten Hag, as the pressure continues to mount. For United to stage a comeback, they’ll need their top attacking talents, like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, to step up and deliver.

As the record Premier League title holders prepare for their upcoming Europa League fixture against Portuguese club Porto, all eyes will be on Ten Hag’s squad selection. It will be intriguing to see how the Dutch manager approaches the game and whether United can turn the tide in what’s becoming a challenging season.