Micah Richards reckons only four Man Utd stars could get into top six Premier League side

Micah Richards has claimed that only a handful of Manchester United players would make the cut at other top Premier League clubs.

Following a dismal performance against Tottenham on Sunday, which saw United tumble to 12th in the Premier League standings, the problems facing manager Erik ten Hag have been laid bare.

United's lacklustre control of the ball, their inability to counteract transitions and a total lack of discipline were all too evident as they suffered a disappointing defeat to a Spurs team that has faced its own share of scrutiny this season.

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While Tottenham fans may view the 3-0 victory as a turning point under manager Ange Postecoglou, those backing United are bracing themselves for what could be a gruelling season.

The squad came under fire during 'The Rest is Football' podcast, where Alan Shearer lambasted the previous season's FA Cup champions for being "miles worse" and lacking "no identity", despite heavy investment. Co-host Richards drew parallels between United's current struggles and his experience with a Villa side doomed for relegation.

"You two (Shearer and Lineker) were at the top of your game until the end, but I've been in [a similar] position. It's not that you're not trying, all these players are trying. It's a breakdown between players and manager," Richards said.

Despite the trio of hosts criticising United's performance and its implications for the team's prospects this season, they concurred that the squad does possess quality players who could make the cut in other top six teams.

Kobbie Mainoo, the talented academy product and scorer in the FA Cup final, was the first to be mentioned by Richards, followed by Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez, skipper Bruno Fernandes - who was sent off against Spurs - and Marcus Rashford, who has been out of form for over a year.

Richards said: "Mainoo gets into a top six side. Definitely, Fernandes as well, Fernandes when he's on it. Rashford when he's at his best, and Martinez as well.

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"Obviously he's been inconsistent with injuries and all that sort of thing. But that would be it."

Shearer suggested that Richards was being overly "generous" to United by picking four players capable of excelling, highlighting the severity of the issues at Old Trafford.

Ex-Manchester City defender Richards then suggested that a lack of communication within United has resulted in players not pulling together as a cohesive unit.

"You go out on the pitch and you start performing for yourself. I'm going to make sure I'm not the worst player," the former England right-back said. "I was at Aston Villa... Man United, it's ten times the scrutiny they get. The players and the manager can't deal with negativity at the club."

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