Gerrard names six Manchester United players who are 'not good enough' after Bournemouth humiliation

Steven Gerrard publicly identified six Manchester United players he believes are not at the level required by the club, delivering his verdict in the wake of their 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth — a result that left United 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.

Speaking on Overlap Daily, Gerrard acknowledged Bruno Fernandes as United’s standout performer — “he’s a pleasure to watch, he’s a terrific footballer talent-wise” — before turning sharply critical of the rest of the squad.

Defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were the first names Gerrard raised. “Harry Maguire’s had a really good career, Luke Shaw, I played with Luke, he was top in his day,” he said. “They’re not Manchester United players anymore. They should have been moved on quicker.”

Gerrard also questioned the attitude of Lisandro Martinez, suggesting the Argentine centre-back had been distracted by transfer ambitions. “Last year, only interested in the World Cup. He’s come back, he’s seen that the players haven’t signed… selfishly comes out and speaks then gets injured, goes off at half-time with a kick and he’s fit the next game. That stinks to me.”

In midfield, Gerrard turned his attention to the club’s two most expensive summer signings. Andrey Santos, who arrived from Chelsea for £50 million, was dismissed outright: “Not a Manchester United player.” Carlos Baleba, signed from Brighton for around £70 million, was given slightly more grace — “he’s got potential” — but Gerrard was clear he is “not ready to help Manchester United compete at the top of the league now.”

Amad Diallo completed the list. “Hot and cold. When he’s good, he’s good. But hasn’t shown nothing this season,” Gerrard said, drawing a contrast with the world-class wide players United fielded during their dominant years.

The comments arrive at a precarious moment for manager Michael Carrick, whose position is under intense scrutiny following the Bournemouth result. Carrick is expected to take training, though his future beyond that remains uncertain, with Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann among the names linked with the role. Gerrard’s assessment, however, shifts at least part of the blame away from the manager and onto the squad and the recruitment decisions that assembled it.