Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has spotlighted one Manchester United player after the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United underwhelmed in their performance against Bournemouth, with Andoni Iraola’s men leading the contest on two separate occasions.
Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for Bournemouth in the first half before Bruno Fernandes pulled United level in the Premier League encounter.
However, Justin Kluivert restored Bournemouth’s advantage ahead of half-time, with United placed on the back foot for the second time at the Vitality Stadium.
United ensured a 2-2 draw on their away trip thanks to captain Bruno Fernandes, who completed his brace in the second half after scoring from the spot-kick.
The Red Devils are currently seventh in the Premier League table and have won only once in their last five league matches, with a top-four challenge highly unlikely now.
Erik ten Hag’s men will turn their attention away from the league and resume their FA Cup campaign on Sunday against Coventry City in the semi-finals at Wembley.
Richards on Man Utd star vs Bournemouth
Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala had a shocking first half against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on the weekend.
Willy Kambwala was at fault for the opener after his costly slip allowed Dominic Solanke to pounce on the opportunity and slot the ball past Andre Onana.
The 19-year-old defender was then isolated by Justin Kluivert for Bournemouth’s second, with Diogo Dalot and Casemiro offering him no support in the encounter.
United boss Erik ten Hag had to start Kambwala for the second consecutive Premier League match running due to his defensive options being ravaged by injuries.
Kambwala emerged in the United first team and has been gaining valuable senior experience, though the youth academy prospect was exposed against Bournemouth.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards admitted that he felt a “little bit sorry” for Kambwala after the United centre-back was overwhelmed.
“Man United’s midfield don’t seem to be working together,” he said.
“They are working hard. It’s a tactical thing. [Kobbie] Mainoo’s very good now. He’s more than just a No 6, he’s a No 8 who can get into the box, and sometimes him and [Bruno] Fernandes become on the same line.
“Casemiro – [a] fantastic player – doesn’t have the legs he used to where he could just dominate a midfield by himself. He needs a little bit of help.
“Fernandes and Mainoo will press, and that leaves a big massive gap, and Casemiro has to go engage, and then Kambwala, 19 years of age, is exposed.
“I feel a little bit sorry for Kambwala.”
Richards on development for Kambwala
Richards insisted that United “need a little more structure,” despite adding that Kambwala has played well at times this season.
The Sky Sports pundit added that the lack of structure at United is leaving the Red Devils without an “identity” when it comes to playing in different matches.
“He’s [Kambwala] a good player, [he] did very well in the Liverpool game, but at that age, away from home, you just need a little more structure,” Richards added.
“Man United are just missing that identity in how they want to approach games for different opponents.”
