Graeme Souness has hit out at the state of the Manchester United midfield and claimed he, at 68, could play against them.
The Red Devils take on title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night with Ralf Rangnick naming a three-man midfield. Paul Pogba has been selected alongside Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes as the visitors attempt to upset the odds on Merseyside and avenge their 5-0 mauling from earlier this season.
United have chopped a changed their options in the middle of the park with Scott McTominay and Fred often sitting as a two. Pogba's lack of discipline has seen him deployed in a variety of roles whilst Fernandes is often deployed as the No 10.
A recurring theme during United's struggles over the past few years has been the lack of intensity they play with, especially when compared to Liverpool and neighbours Manchester City - the two pacesetters in English football currently. Souness has lamented their inability to protect the United back four, which has regularly been exposed.
He also suggested he could play a half against the current United midfielders given their lack of energy. The Scot said on Sky Sports: "But when I played, equally as important and playing a clever pass I took in as much pleasure as making sure that my two centre backs were never exposed. I think if you look at Manchester United's makeup in midfield, it has never been right.
"Liverpool's success has been based on their midfield and the intensity in which they press with players like James Milner and Jordan Henderson, and that is why they have become so successful. They (Manchester United) get passed through too easily, they are not pressing collectively.
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"I look at Manchester United's midfield, and I could play 45 minutes against them now because they play with no real intensity. It is very easy to point the finger at Harry Maguire and whoever his partner is and say 'They aren't doing their job', but they need help from their midfielders."
Central midfield is seen as a problem area for the Red Devils, who opted against signing players to bolster their options last summer. Now they are being linked with the likes of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips with a swoop in the coming months on the agenda.
Former United skipper Roy Keane, a leader in midfield during his playing days, has cited concerns ahead of their clash at Anfield. He said: "I have said it many times, you are going to lose football matches this season, but United have not shown enough pride when losing. They have shown no fight and desire and if they lose the first goal tonight, you fear for them again."
