Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of Manchester United following their disappointing 2-0 loss to Newcastle United.
The match, which marked Manchester United’s fourth consecutive defeat, took place at Old Trafford, where Newcastle showcased their dominance from the very beginning.
The Magpies took control early in the game, with Alexander Isak opening the scoring just four minutes after kickoff. Joelinton doubled their lead in the 19th minute, leaving Manchester United struggling to recover for the remainder of the match. The defeat highlighted glaring issues in the Red Devils’ performance, with fans and pundits alike questioning the quality of the team.
Speaking on his Obi One podcast, Mikel didn’t mince words when sharing his thoughts on the game. He described United’s performance as “horrendous,” stating, “Even if you’re not a United fan, it’s awful to watch them. Newcastle could have easily been 3-0 up within the first 20 minutes. It was a disaster.”
Focus on Players, Not the Manager
Mikel defended Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, whom he referred to as a “fantastic and brilliant young manager.” Instead, he placed the blame squarely on the players, questioning their suitability for the club. “I’ve said it when he came into the club – the players at United, I’m sorry, they are nowhere near good enough to be playing for Manchester United,” Mikel added.
The loss has amplified concerns about the direction of the team, with many calling for significant changes to address the glaring deficiencies in the squad.
Moses Simon Named Nantes’ Player of the Month
In brighter news for Nigerian football, winger Moses Simon has been honored as Nantes’ Player of the Month for December. Despite currently recovering from an injury, Simon’s stellar performances earned him the top spot in the club’s monthly poll, securing 44% of the total votes.
Simon outperformed teammates Douglas Augusto, Nicolas Cozza, and Matthis Abline to claim the award. His contributions in December included one goal and one assist in just two appearances, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking setup.
The 28-year-old will be formally presented with the award before Nantes’ upcoming Ligue 1 home fixture against AS Monaco at La Beaujoire Stadium on Friday, January 10.
Consistent Performer for Nantes
This latest accolade is not Simon’s first recognition of the season. He was also named Player of the Month in September, further cementing his status as one of the team’s most reliable players. So far this season, Simon has recorded an impressive four goals and five assists in 14 appearances, making him a crucial part of Nantes’ campaign.
As he continues his recovery, fans and teammates alike will be eager for Simon’s return to full fitness to help propel Nantes to greater success in the league.
