Micah Richards points out major Man Utd ‘tactical flaw’ that left wonderkid ‘exposed’ against Bournemouth

FORMER England star Micah Richards has highlighted a “tactical flaw” with Manchester United’s current style of play.

The Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Saturday.

AFP

Micah Richards claimed Willy Kambwala (L) needed more protection against Bournemouth[/caption]

Sky Sports

The ex-City star claims Kambwala is being exposed by United’s midfield[/caption]

Getty

Richards highlighted a ‘tactical fault’ in Man Utd’s line-up[/caption]

Dominic Solanke broke the deadlock in the 16th minute but Bruno Fernandes fired his team level at the half-hour mark.

Summer signing Justin Kluivert restored Bournemouth‘s lead before half-time.

However, Fernandes equalised again after the break to clinch a point for Erik ten Hag‘s side.

United now sit seventh in the Premier League table, 13 points off the top four.

And Richards believes there is a fault in Ten Hag’s tactics that is stopping them from winning games.

Speaking on the The Rest is Football podcast, the ex-Manchester City star said: “I felt a little bit sorry for [Willy] Kambwala. In terms of protection, Man Utd’s midfield don’t seem to be working together.

“They are working hard. I think a lot of people look at the team and think they’re not working. They are actually working hard.”

Gary Lineker went on to ask: “In that case Micah, would you say that is a tactical flaw?”

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And Richards responded: “This is exactly to my point. It’s a tactical thing.

“So we know [Kobbie] Mainoo is very good now, he’s more than just a No6. He’s a No8 who can get into the box. And sometimes him and Fernandes become on the same line.

“And Casemiro, fantastic player, but maybe he doesn’t have the legs he used to have where he could dominate the midfield by himself. He needs a little bit more help.

“Two of them will press, Fernandes and Mainoo, and there’s a massive gap.

“And then Casemiro has to go engage, but young Kambwala, 19 years of age, he’s exposed.

“He’s a good player, he did very well, he did very well in the Liverpool game. But at that age, away from home, you just need a little bit more structure.

“[Diogo] Dalot, who has been playing really well, had a bad game at right-back. No communication. [Alejandro] Garnacho got subbed at half-time as well so they’re just missing that real lack of, maybe identity in how they want to approach games for different opponents. That’s what I see for Man Utd.”

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer went on to highlight the importance of United captain Fernandes.

He said: “I know he’s not everyone’s favourite, but where would they be without Bruno Fernandes?”

Lineker continued: “Absolutely. He’s a very talented player. It would be interesting to see him in a team that was really structured and going well and successful.

“He’s not had that really at Man Utd, whether he’s part and parcel of that I don’t know. He’s a wonderfully gifted footballer there’s no question about that.”

Man Utd next face Coventry in an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.