'Instead Of Fixing Real Issues...'! Former Man United Defender Slams 'Scapegoat' Culture At Club

Last Updated:January 17, 2026, 17:36 IST

Evra opened up about United underwhelming showings in recent times and cited the example of cross-town rivals Man City and their pursuit of success in contrast to United's woes.

Manchester United in the Premier League (AP)

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra opened up on the gulf between the two Mancunian sides and their organisational structure ahead of the Manchester Derby as the sides experience varying fortunes.

Evra brushed away suggestions that former manager Ruben Amorim was the issue at underperforming United and cited the example of cross-town rivals Man City and their pursuit of success in contrast to United’s woes.

“Amorim was the problem? Pep lost De Bruyne… he went and bought five players. Dias got injured? They move for Guehi. Can’t catch Arsenal? They target Semenyo.

“So tell me — just like Amorim, will Carrick or the next manager be the problem? Of course they will. At this club, there’s always a new scapegoat to blame instead of fixing the real issues."

United currently stand seventh in the English top-flight with 32 points from 21 matches this season, having secured eight wins, eight draws, and five defeats.

The club parted ways with Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim due to a series of disappointing results. The former Sporting Lisbon coach could not meet the club’s high expectations. Amorim was dismissed following a 1-1 draw against Leeds, with personal differences between the 40-year-old and Jason Wilcox reaching a breaking point.

United appointed former midfielder Darren Fletcher as Amorim’s replacement, but the change did not yield significant results. The team only managed a draw against Burnley before being eliminated by Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup.

United are set to host their cross-town rivals, Manchester City, on Saturday their upcoming Premier League fixture, before travelling to London to face Arsenal at the Emirates.

Subsequent fixtures include home matches against Fulham and Spurs, followed by away games at West Ham and Everton, and then a return home to welcome Crystal Palace.

News sports football 'Instead Of Fixing Real Issues...'! Former Man United Defender Slams 'Scapegoat' Culture At Club

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