This particular player doesn’t deserve to wear the Red jersey. If he were at Leicester, he wouldn’t even make my bench, yet he’s starting for Manchester United,” Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy criticized a United player, calling him the biggest flop he has encountered in his coaching career—without naming Zirkzee or Højlund.
Van Nistelrooy, who had a distinguished career as a striker for Manchester United, didn’t hold back in his critique. He stated, “As a former United coach, I know exactly where their problems lie. This player is not up to the required standard. He doesn’t deserve to wear the red jersey. If he were at Leicester, he wouldn’t even make my bench, yet he starts for United.”
His comments caught many off guard, as many expected him to target newer signings like Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Højlund, both of whom have received some criticism this season. However, Van Nistelrooy made it clear that neither of them was the target. So, who is the player he refers to as the biggest disappointment in his career?
Although he did not directly name the player, sources speculate that Van Nistelrooy might be pointing to one of Manchester United’s most underperforming senior stars, possibly Antony, the £85 million winger who has struggled to live up to his price, or perhaps a midfielder failing to assert control in matches.
Van Nistelrooy’s harsh evaluation adds more pressure to Manchester United’s underperforming squad. If a club legend like him believes this player doesn’t belong in the team, it raises questions about how long Erik ten Hag can continue selecting him.
