Christophe Dugarry believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s lack of mobility and Jose Mourinho’s ego are the key reasons for Manchester United’s current troubles.
United’s 3-1 Premier League defeat to Watford on Sunday was their third successive loss in all competitions, and left them trailing neighbours and league leaders City by six points.
Ibrahimovic, 34, has scored four goals in his five games in the Premier League since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain. But Dugarry — who won the World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000 with France — believes a static Ibrahimovic does more harm to United’s play than his stats do good.
“Ibra is a cone. People talk about his stats… but he’s a cone,” Dugarry said on his RMC radio show. “When you see Zlatan’s matches, it’s not possible to do that. It’s English football, it goes at 2,000 kilometres an hour.”
Ibrahimovic was not the only one to be criticised by Dugarry as he also took aim at Mourinho, who had started his Old Trafford reign with three consecutive league wins before his team’s form dipped.
“I get the feeling Mourinho’s last tactical success was that Champions League game between Inter Milan and Barcelona,” Dugarry said, referring to Inter’s 2009-10 Champions League semifinal triumph.
“He’s won titles since, but I think he’s lost the plot. He believes he has become more important than the team. Tactically, I think he doesn’t put anything in place. Apart from the players, who have changed, it’s the same organisation as last season under Van Gaal.
“He always blames the referee or their opponents’ good fortune. There is no self-criticism.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate