Lineker and Shearer find themselves lacking identity under Ten Hag

“What are they? Can someone tell me what Man United is? What is their system, what is their plan? Are they sitting? Are they attacking? Do they press? I have no idea what they are. They’re a mess.”

After Micah Richards called United “inconsistent,” Shearer scoffed: “Inconsistent? They are 12th in the league. That means they’re not inconsistent – that means they’re truly terrible.

“The players have to take responsibility. You can’t hide behind the manager. The manager has to take all the hassle every week when a result goes against him. There are players out there that make you say, “Come on; Is this the best you can give?’”

Shearer said United had left Ten Hag in an “impossible position” this season after it emerged they were considering replacing him before he won the FA Cup in May.

“When it emerged they had spoken to other managers last year they didn’t help him at all,” Shearer added. “It would have been virtually impossible for him.

“They won the Carabao and the FA Cup but when it comes to being a force in the league they are miles away. They are miles away. They have no identity.”

Lineker said: “It must be pretty bad being a Manchester United fan at the moment.

“They look like lost souls. Players need to know their role and what to do in certain situations. And for some time now it has looked like they don’t know their roles. That certainly depends on the coaching. Footballers don’t just say, “I’m not trying.”

“It’s hard to see him [Ten Hag] turn it over now.”