In a scathing assessment of Manchester United’s defensive display during their 4-0 thrashing by Crystal Palace on Monday, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith didn’t hold back in his criticism of Jonny Evans.
The Red Devils endured a torrid time at Selhurst Park, with Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Tyrick Mitchell all finding the net for the hosts.
However, it was Mateta’s goal, where he breezed past Evans before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike that particularly irked Smith.
In post-match comments reported by Tribal Football, Smith lambasted Evans for his passive approach in the one-on-one situation, describing United’s defensive performance as a “car crash.”
Smith expressed disbelief at how easily Mateta was allowed to advance and score, highlighting the defensive frailties that have plagued United throughout the match.
“It definitely sums up United. Defensively they have been in a car crash, they really have. I feel for Jonny Evans really here, faced with a one-vs-one against an in-form centre forward, he just does nothing,” Smith said.
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines