A former Old Trafford favourite says the Red Devils'”insecure” transfer approach allowed their rivals to pull away from them in the Premier League.
Robin van Persie has criticised Manchester United for”gaming on celebrity names such as Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez” rather than following the same blueprint Liverpool have under Jurgen Klopp.
United have suffered a frustrating transitional period that has lasted longer than anticipated since the death of legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013.
The Scot retired after guiding the Red Devils into a 13th Premier League crown, but his successor David Moyes was sacked after only 10 months.
Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho also failed to restore past glories during various stints in the Old Trafford hot seat, despite spending a lot of money on many high-profile players.
Mourinho lured Pogba back to the club from Juventus within an #89 million ($110m) deal in 2016, with former fans hoping he’d be the man to inspire a revival.
Regrettably, the World Cup winner has been not able to live up to expectations, just managing to showcase his skills sporadically amid worries over his attitude and commitment to the United cause.
Similar criticisms were levelled at Alexis Sanchez when he finished a move to United in January 2018 from Arsenal, as Mourinho fought to get the most out of another gifted figure.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally replaced the Portuguese boss and Sanchez was shipped out on loan to Inter last summer for a squad rebuild started.
In stark comparison, Liverpool have slowly established themselves as the top dogs in British soccer during Klopp’s four-and-a-half-year predominate at Anfield, while spending much less than their arch-rivals.
Van Persie, who had been a part of United’s last title-winning side, considers his previous club should have concentrated on implementing a”doctrine” in precisely the exact same manner that the Reds failed, as opposed to taking unnecessary risks in the transport market.
“If you compare it to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp was appointed and players were chosen who match with the soccer doctrine, not from advertising motives,” the ex-United striker informed SoFoot.
“They built the club on a trainer’s sporting project. At Manchester United, they bet on celebrity names such as Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez.
“That is one way. It’s risky. If such a player becomes injured or does not match, the entire team is vulnerable. While having a philosophy such as Liverpool rather than Manchester United creates tremendous collective power.
“The challenge for Manchester United would be to determine if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can successfully establish a doctrine of his own.”
Van Persie went on to describe how Ferguson pushed his squad”to the maximum”, before insisting Solskjaer should be given time to effect considerable change in the Theatre of Dreams.
“Every player should aim for an environment that compels one to the max,” the Dutchman added.
“At Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, there was an unbelievable daily impulse to act. To visit Manchester United was like breaking through the glass ceiling, to make sure things possible.
“If United want to recover, they have to devote Solskjaer time and a real possibility. At this time, Liverpool and Manchester City are just one or two steps ahead of United.
“Why? Because they’ve built up a collective sense that they need to go someplace.”
