Manchester United are a “BATTLE” and have “lost their identity”, claims ex-Liverpool star… and criticizes the way players “walk around like they have a fear factor when they don’t have ANY”.

Jason McAteer has harshly criticized Manchester United after their poor start to the season, insisting the club has “lost its identity”.

United lost comfortably to Bayern Munich 4-3 on Wednesday night despite the close result, and the defeat means Erik ten Hag’s side have now lost four of their first six games of the 2023/24 season, including three in a row.

Their poor performances have been coupled with off-field issues, meaning wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho are currently unavailable to Ten Hag.

And McAteer – who played for Bolton, Liverpool, Blackburn and Sunderland in the Premier League during his career – hit out at United, insisting they are no longer the team they once were and that Ten Hag with a whole range struggling with problems.

“Do you know what else they’ve lost with their identity?” he said be in sports. “Nobody is afraid of Manchester United anymore.”

Jason McAteer has harshly criticized Manchester United, claiming they have lost their identity

The former Liverpool star also stressed that United are no longer a fear factor for other teams

“You always come to Anfield and it’s like we have a game today, we could lose it.”

“We wouldn’t feel that way about anyone, but obviously Man United were dominant in the 1990s so we would be dealing with them. “They had that fear factor and they don’t have it anymore.

“Her identity has disappeared and I think sometimes Man United vacillates around as if it’s still there, as if they can stroll into someone’s back yard and take her.”

McAteer also criticized several first-team stars, claiming that Ten Hag’s squad lacked the necessary stability and fighting spirit.

He added: “They don’t have the players who want to play hard when the going gets tough.”

“Fernandes, will he roll up his sleeves as captain?” No. Antony, Rashford, Martial? (Martial) They can’t even get him fit and he doesn’t even want to play.

Erik ten Hag’s struggling side have now lost four of their first six games so far this season

McAteer also criticized the struggles of several first-team stars, including captain Bruno Fernandes

“And you have a midfield that is not hard-working.” That’s the first thing you should have as a football club when things aren’t going well: players who are ready to roll up their sleeves, give it their all and win duels to influence the game. You don’t get any of it.

“The whole dynamic of the club from top to bottom is a mess, it’s a pile of rubble.”

In addition to Bayern, United are also joined by Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen in their Champions League group, with those two teams playing out a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

The Red Devils return to action on Saturday when they travel to Turf Moor to take on newly promoted Burnley at 8pm.