Manchester United

Michael Owen: 'Manchester United not functioning as a team'

By Christopher Dodd, Reporter | 20 January 2015

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen believes that the team is not functioning under the guidance of new coach Louis van Gaal.

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has said that the Red Devils are not functioning as a team under Louis van Gaal.

The Dutch coach has recently come under some criticism for deploying a supposedly negative 5-3-2 formation, while players such as Robin van Persie have also faced calls to contribute more for the Old Trafford outfit.

"I don't think any of the strikers are performing. Robin van Persie has gone quiet, he's scored the odd goal, but he's not the player he was over the past few years," Owen told BT Sport.

"I don't necessarily blame the strikers as Manchester United aren't creating loads and loads of chances. They are not functioning as a team and if you don't function as a team, and your strikers and midfielders aren't working hard then you'll concede goals – it's not just about the defence.

"If you're not playing well throughout the team, you won't score enough goals as the strikers aren't getting enough chances."

United currently hold fourth position in the Premier League table, having seemingly started to recover from a lacklustre beginning to the season.