PETER SCHMEICHEL has slammed Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven for their role in Manchester United’s shambolic defending during their humiliating defeat to Hull City.
The Red Devils legend was left furious after United conceded twice in the first half of their 2-0 loss at the MKM Stadium.
United were unable to defend a corner Semi Ajayi profited from poor organisation to give Hull the lead Credit: EPA
Oli McBurnie got the better of young Ayden Heaven all afternoon Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Newly-promoted Hull stunned Michael Carrick‘s side as Semi Ajayi smashed home the opener from close range after United failed to properly deal with a corner.
Former United keeper Schmeichel wasted no time picking out Dorgu and Heaven for their roles in the sloppy defending.
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Analysing the goal at half-time on Premier League Productions, the Dane said: “This is sloppy defending, this is all about concentrating.
“Look at Dorgu, Dorgu on the front post, he is not even looking at the guy taking the corner kick.
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“At that exact moment, he loses his concentration, he does not have the ability to block the first ball.”
Dorgu’s lapse allowed the ball to reach the danger area, with United unable to clear their lines before Ajayi pounced.
Schmeichel added: “And of course, Ayden Heaven on the back post. That’s not how you defend, you have to be stronger.”
Debutant Nobel Mendy headed home the second to leave the hosts 2-0 up and United facing a mountain to climb – something they didn’t manage to do.
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Peter Schmeichel is a Manchester United legend and one of the best goalkeepers of all-time Credit: Getty
It was a brutal assessment from Schmeichel, who won five Premier League titles while at United during the 90s.
United also won the Champions League in 1998/99 on a night where Schmeichel captained the side in the absence of the suspended Roy Keane.
He played under the same manager throughout in Sir Alex Ferguson, who once famously said: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.”
That was certainly the case in the 90s while Schmeichel was playing in net, and in front of him he regularly had a solid defence.
Schmeichel played in a hugely successful United team in the 90s Credit: EMPICS SPORT
The likes of Gary and Phil Neville, Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce, Denis Irwin, Jaap Stam and Ronny Johnsen formed the base of consistent title winning teams.
That’s why today’s under par defensive performance from the Red Devils would have angered Schmeichel even more as it’s something he wasn’t used to during his playing days at the club.
United had never previously lost their opening league fixture of a season against a newly-promoted team, winning nine and drawing three of their previous 12 meetings.
But for Hull, today is a day that will live long in the memory on Humberside.
