Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United’s players following their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford, questioning their collective quality and commitment under head coach Michael Carrick.
United endured another disappointing afternoon on Sunday as Bournemouth secured a convincing victory, adding to the pressure on the home side following their 4-1 defeat in midweek to Como in the Champions League.
“The fans are not stupid, these Manchester United players, they are not good enough collectively,” Mikel said as he delivered a blunt assessment of the problems confronting the Premier League giants.
The former Nigeria international argued that United’s struggles extend beyond the head coach, insisting that the players have failed to demonstrate the basic tactical discipline and intensity required to compete at the highest level.
Mikel was particularly critical of their pressing, suggesting that opponents have found it far too easy to bypass United’s midfield and expose their defensive structure.
He described the team’s performance as a “disaster” and a “shitshow”, expressing sympathy for supporters who have continued to watch their club struggle despite significant investment in the playing squad over recent seasons.
Mikel Questions Players’ Quality and Commitment
Mikel believes United’s problems cannot be resolved simply by changing the manager, arguing that the current playing personnel must also come under scrutiny.
The former Chelsea star questioned the collective standard of the squad, pointing to the ease with which Bournemouth played through United and the home side’s inability to impose themselves on the contest. The comment “they do not know how to press,” was the thrust of Mikel’s criticism, as he highlighted the lack of coordination and intensity in United’s approach.
He argued that the players were too easy to play through, exposing the team to pressure and allowing Bournemouth to dictate the encounter.
For Mikel, the performance reflected deeper structural problems at Old Trafford rather than an isolated tactical failure.
Mikel’s comments came after United supporters were left frustrated by another heavy defeat at home. Despite the result, sections of the crowd continued chanting Carrick’s name as he acknowledged the fans after the final whistle, while the players were booed as they left the pitch.
The contrasting reactions reinforced Mikel’s argument that supporters understand the scale of the club’s problems and are increasingly directing their frustration towards the players rather than the coach.
He believes United need a drastic change in the playing personnel if they are to restore their competitiveness and return to challenging consistently for major honours.
Carrick Deserves Time Despite United Crisis
While criticising the squad, Mikel defended Carrick, insisting that the coach should not be held solely responsible for the team’s disappointing performances.
He acknowledged that Carrick does not yet have an extensive record of managing at the highest level but argued that the decision to appoint him was made by the club.
Mikel also praised Carrick’s previous work, pointing to his impressive run of results last season, when he helped United secure a return to the Champions League.
“Is Michael Carrick an elite manager, top, top manager? No. Has he managed at the top, top level before he got Manchester United’s job? No. We all knew that. It was going to be a learning process for him.”
John Obi Mikel, Former Chelsea Midfielder
He added that Carrick had done a “wonderful job” in his previous spell, arguing that the coach should be given time to address the current situation.
Also, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner criticised captain Bruno Fernandes for comments he made after United’s 4-1 defeat in Uefa Champions League to Como in midweek, arguing that the midfielder had undermined his coach by publicly airing his concerns.
Carrick subsequently left Fernandes on the bench for the Bournemouth match, although United were unable to improve their performance and suffered another damaging defeat.
For Mikel, the episode highlights the need for greater unity and accountability within the dressing room, particularly from senior players expected to lead by example.
He believes United must rebuild the squad, improve their pressing and restore discipline if they are to recover from their current difficulties.
While Carrick deserves an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities, Mikel insists that the players must take responsibility for their performances. Without significant improvement on the pitch and difficult decisions over the squad, he fears United’s problems will continue regardless of who occupies the dugout.
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