Manchester United news: Alan Shearer condemns ‘embarrassing’ defeat and singles out Paul Pogba for criticism

Pogba was involved in an incident when a fan verbally abused him after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat

Jack de Menezes
Monday 13 May 2019 15:51 BST
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Premier League season in numbers

Alan Shearer launched a stinging attack on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United after they were beaten at home by relegated Cardiff City on the final day of the Premier League season, with the former England captain labelling their run-in “embarrassing”.

Solskjaer’s strong start to life at Old Trafford resulted in him being awarded a three-year contract in March, but United’s form has since deserted them as they won just two of their final 10 games of the season, which was part of a horrendous run of form throughout the last dozen matches.

After watching Cardiff’s Nathaniel Mendez-Laing score twice to condemn them to a final-day defeat at Old Trafford, Shearer was in no mood to go easy on United, with the former Newcastle striker tearing into the club that once tried to sign him.

“It's been embarrassing for them,” Shearer said on BBC Match of the Day.

“Drawing last week (at Huddersfield), getting turned over as they did today.”

Shearer had particular criticism for United midfielder Paul Pogba, who endured a nightmare day on and off the pitch. Pogba was singled out for his poor performance by United supporters throughout the match, and that anger spread after the game when he was confronted by a fan who labelled him “f****** s***” when he applauded Old Trafford in the players’ lap of appreciation.

“This is the problem at Old Trafford,” added Shearer. “This epitomises everything that is wrong with this football club.

"After the season he's had, just go in. You cannot argue."

Shearer also criticised Pogba for his role in allowing Josh Murphy to break free and set up Mendez-Laing for his second.

Pogba shakes hands with United manager Solskjaer after defeat by Cardiff (AFP/Getty)

“This is a throw-in. This is not difficult. Murphy runs off Pogba with ease and plays it across for a tap-in,” Shearer said.

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