ROBIN VAN PERSIE claimed Manchester United broke Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden rule of running further than your opponents in their loss to Istanbul Basaksehir.
The former Dutch striker, 37, reckoned the Turkish side outran United – something that would’ve boiled Fergie’s blood – but the stats appeared to show otherwise.
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Robin van Persie questioned Manchester United’s commitmentCredit: BT Sport
Manchester United’s running was questioned by Van PersieCredit: Rex Features
Van Persie told BT Sport: “They missed the urgency to commit.
“In my time at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson said ‘I don’t mind losing as long as my team is not running less than the opponent and I want to see commitment going forward and as well defensively.’
“I’m pretty sure Basaksehir ran more than Manchester United. That should never be the case in any game.
“That has nothing to do with quality or abilities. That’s extra. You need to commit, to be there with 100 per cent focus.”
According to Uefa’s official data, United covered 108.6km in total compared to their Turkish opponents who ran 106.479km in the 90 minutes.
United also came out on top in both halves, despite going in at the break 2-1 down as former Chelsea ace Demba Ba found acres of space in the United backline.
The Red Devils ran 55.148km in the first period, edging out their hosts who covered 54.239km.
After the interval, the figures were again close but United topped the stats by just over 1km after running 53.452km to Istanbul’s 52.24km.
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The 2-1 defeat in Turkey heaped the pressure on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Bruno Fernandes gave the ball away an incredible 34 times as United put in a sloppy showing.
Former midfielder Paul Scholes slammed United’s ‘Under-10s’ defending for Ba’s goal.
Van Persie added: “I’ve never seen a goal conceded like that first goal – usually you leave two defenders at the back.”
The Red Devils are 15th in the Premier League and frustrated club chiefs have already reportedly contacted ex-Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Solskjaer is the favourite to be the next Prem boss sacked, with Argentine Poch ODDS-ON to replace him.
Man Utd legends van Persie and Scholes tears into the defence during Istanbul Basaksehir Champions League tie
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
