13 December 2023 , 11:49
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Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel didn't hold back when discussing the issues facing the club after their humiliating exit from the Champions League.
For the second time in their history the ‘Red Devils’ finished bottom of their group after collecting just four points from six games. United knew only a win against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night could keep their hopes of qualification alive. But even playing in front of a packed Old Trafford crowd could not help the players produce an inspired performance, as they limped to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of Kingsley Coman's second-half strike.
The players were subject to boos at the end of the game, as United sunk to their lowest-ever points tally in the Champions League while conceding 15 goals - the most by a Premier League side in any group stage of the competition. During a conversation with CBS Sports, Schmeichel, one of the club’s greatest goalkeepers, explained that a lack of structure is one reason for the club’s decline. "I don't think there's one person out there who can do what people like Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex do,” the 60-year-old said.
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“What we need is a structure that is fitting to modern day football so the constant people are not the managers or the coaches because we know they move on and the lifespan is very short so there needs to be constant people there making decisions, stopping certain players coming in. Some of the signings that Manchester United have made are simply not good enough. Somebody above needs to say that is not on.
"That is what I mean by structural changes, you need new ideas, new people and some new inspiration and that is not a new manager and not new players." United's limp performance was made worse as they even failed to fall into the Europa League, having finished rock bottom of the group.
They managed just five shots, only one of which was on target, and were dominated in possession as they struggled to make an impact in what was arguably their most important game of the season so far. The pressure on Erik ten Hag continues to intensify after United's sixth defeat at Old Trafford this season.
Man United legend Peter Schmeichel outlined some of the problems at Old Trafford (CBS Sports)The team has shown glimpses of good form, with the 2-1 victory against Chelsea last Wednesday being a prime example. They currently occupy sixth place in the league, just six points behind local rivals Manchester City in fourth, but their inconsistency and lack of philosophy is stunting any potential growth for the club that once dominated English football.
Schmeichel does not think United should sack Ten Hag, and stressed changes from the top down are more important. "I think Ten Hag can turn this around, he is well equipped," he added. "There is a lot of people saying we need to change the manager again and that’s an opinion but, to who? Who is the next guy going to be? It [problems] go a lot deeper. It is structural at the football club.
"This football club definitely needs a lot of changes and we are hoping now a deal with INEOS is happening and what we know from that deal is they are going to come in and take responsibility for all football matters. We get some new inspiration, new leadership, new ideas and I think also some new people.” United return to Premier League action on Sunday when they face a tough test against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield, where they lost 7-0 to the Reds in March.