In the aftermath of Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Everton on February 22, 2025, Premier League legend Alan Shearer did not mince words in his critique of the Red Devils’ performance. Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day, labeled the first-half display as “pathetic,” singling out Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, and Diogo Dalot for their lackluster efforts.
Everton seized an early advantage with goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucouré, while United failed to register a single shot on target in the opening half. Shearer was particularly incensed by the apparent apathy in United’s pressing and defensive organization. He highlighted instances where players were merely walking, allowing Everton’s Jack Harrison and James Garner ample space to dictate play. Shearer questioned Dalot’s defensive positioning, noting, “If they get it, Dalot is eight yards off. Why aren’t you one yard off and, if they get it, putting a crunching tackle in?”
The criticism extended to Fernandes and Højlund for their passive pressing, which Shearer described as “hopeless.” Analyzing Doucouré’s goal, he pointed out Fernandes’s lack of urgency, stating, “Watch this from Bruno Fernandes, when Doucouré gets the ball. Seriously, is that the best you can do?”
This isn’t the first time Shearer has voiced concerns over United’s squad dynamics. Following a defeat to Newcastle United in December 2023, he remarked, “For me, there are too many bad eggs in that Man United team. Too many bad attitudes.”
United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, echoed Shearer’s sentiments, expressing frustration over the team’s inconsistency. He admitted, “I don’t know what I need to do to bring more consistency. If I knew, I would change it.”
The draw leaves Manchester United languishing in 15th place in the Premier League standings, a position that has intensified scrutiny of both the players’ commitment and the managerial strategies employed. As the season progresses, the onus is on the squad to address these deficiencies and demonstrate the resilience expected of a club with such a storied
history.