Nemanja Matic identifies reason Manchester United lost scandalously to Everton

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has identified the team’s lack of leadership as the reason for their 4-0 defeat away to Everton.

The Toffees subjected United to humiliating defeat at Goodison Park on Sunday days after the Red Devils were dumped out of the Champions League by Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Matic admitted that he deserved criticism for his performance in the defeat given that he is one of his side’s most experienced players.

Matic told Malaysian network Astro Supersport: ‘I think many things didn’t work for us today.

‘The staff prepared the game in the same way that they prepare every game. They showed us every small detail where they (Everton) can hurt us, but I think the biggest problem was that we didn’t have leaders today on the pitch.

‘In this case me, because I’m one of the most experienced guys in the team, so if we don’t win that battle in the midfield then for the whole team it’s difficult to play. If someone is to blame for this game it’s me.’

‘I think various few things, but it is very important to have the right mentality, champions’ mentality in the changing room.

‘It’s easy to say you have the right mentality when you are winning, but when you’re losing the staff need to see what’s wrong, and I’m sure they will analyse everything and they will find the right way to come back.’

United have lost six of their last eight games in all competitions since their incredible Champions League success away to Paris Saint-Germain last month.

Matic admitted that United’s mentality can be called into question, but backed the coaching staff and the players to improve matters.

He said: ‘I think various few things, but it is very important to have the right mentality, champions’ mentality in the changing room.

‘It’s easy to say you have the right mentality when you are winning, but when you’re losing the staff need to see what’s wrong, and I’m sure they will analyse everything and they will find the right way to come back.

‘The problem is when you play, I don’t want to say small games, but teams that aren’t in the top six. Also last season we had some troubles against the teams who are in the middle of the table or who are fighting to avoid relegation.’

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