Erik ten Hag responds to 'impossible' tactics rant from Jamie Carragher as Man Utd boss surprisingly admits Liverpool legend 'had a point' after damaging Fulham defeat

Manchester United's five-game winning streak across all competitions came to an end on Saturday when they went down 2-1 against Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League. After the match, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher questioned Kobbie Mainoo's role in the game as he claimed that the young midfielder was not properly instructed by Ten Hag.

On Sky Sports, Carragher said: "He's not sure whether he should be closing the holding midfielder or the No10. You should know your job straight from the kick-off and that's down to the coaching staff. 20 seconds into the game, this is the big problem you have got and it's been a big problem for Man Utd all season - the space between the back four and midfield.

"The reason why they a poor defensively and can't cope with counter-attacks - they have got no pace at the back and a lack of legs in midfield. They defend like a team I have never seen before. What I mean by that is that they like to press high with a deep block. It’s impossible. They are trying to do two things at the same time, you can only do one thing or the other."

Responding to Carragher's rant, Ten Hag told reporters: "Some analysts are very objective in their comments, some are very subjective. Jamie Carragher from the first moment has criticised. Now he wants to make his point. Probably in the first half an hour, yeah, he had a point."

The Red Devils' defence has been a major problem for the club this season as they have leaked the second-highest number of goals (36) among the top six clubs in the Premier League. United have also been plagued by multiple injuries to key players, with Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez among those still sidelined with serious issues.

United will be next seen in action in the FA Cup fifth round against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, before they start preparing for a huge Premier League clash with local rivals Manchester City on Sunday.