Football
ESPN staff 7y

Everton's Ronald Koeman unimpressed by 'struggling' Manchester United

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has said he is unimpressed by Manchester United's style of play and cannot see Jose Mourinho leading them to a top-four Premier League finish this season.

Mourinho has often bemoaned his side's lack of ruthlessness, and Koeman highlighted that problem as a particular weakness.

"I cannot see Manchester United finishing in the top four," he said.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic's injury looks bad, and when I look at the amount of matches they are having to play this season I can see them missing the top four.

"I have not been impressed by the way they play. They are struggling to decide matches.

"With Everton, we drew twice against United this season and both times there was more in it for us.

"The Europa League is a different calibre than the Champions League. The fact that Man United were struggling to beat a team like Anderlecht proves what kind of season the club is having."

Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a move to United, but Koeman said Everton were now able to keep hold of their best players.

"Everton now have the resources to keep every player, including Lukaku, who has a contract for another two years," he added.

"I am talking to the owners every week. We want to make the next step with this club towards a higher level.

"A lot is possible here and we want to bring in the best players we can get, players who will help us to play for a place in the Champions League.

"For next season we need a bigger squad anyway as we will be in Europe again. But keeping our best players is a prime target for me.

"If we really want, we can make the players stick to their contract. That decision will eventually be made by the board."

^ Back to Top ^