Manchester United's players have been told they are letting everyone connected to the club down with the lack of effort and fight they are showing. United’s players head into this afternoon’s game against Bournemouth in the eye of an Old Trafford storm following Wednesday’s embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Como.

The Red Devils are now without a win in seven games and boss Michael Carrick finds himself under huge pressure. But former United forward Lee Sharpe has taken aim at captain Bruno Fernandes and his team-mates for their unwillingness to put the hard yards in.

He said: “I think the players are letting everyone down - the fans, the manager, themselves - just from sheer work rate and energy. I think they're playing way too slow; if you play slow, it makes the opposition's game look so much easier, and them look like much better players.

“So, you need to put them under pressure quicker. You need to get at people quicker, and move the ball quicker.

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“The summer signings were really good. I think the three midfielders they bought were really good signings. I just think there weren’t enough of them.

“I think there needed to be a left back, possibly a centre forward. I'm not sure that Marcus Rashford coming back and getting straight into the team has paid off just yet.

“There are a few things that have not been ideal so close to the season, but even then, pre-season, they looked good. They looked like they had a bit of a system.

“They looked like they were getting really fit. They were all getting to know each other; things were really positive.

“I think that's why it's probably been a little bit more disappointing at the start of this season. The fact that they started pre-season and looked so good.”

Rashford, who has been dealing with a hip complaint in recent weeks, is still without a goal or assist to his name so far this season after spending most of the summer searching for a new club after Barcelona rejected the chance to sign him on a permanent basis. Speculation still remains around his Old Trafford future, and when asked if he would look to offload the England international in January, Sharpe, speaking via newbettingsites.uk, said: "I think it depends on if you could get a replacement.

“I've always been a big Marcus Rashford fan, but sometimes I think his work rate and decision-making can be a little bit suspect at times.

“When he's on top form, I think he's unplayable; he's so quick, he's got such good feet. He's a good finisher. He can create, beat people. He's a phenomenal talent.

“But sometimes I just wish he had a little more focus. I don’t know whether it's a confidence thing, a self-belief thing, or whether he's distracted by outside noise; I'm not too sure.

“But I love watching Marcus Rashford in full flow. Unfortunately, we don't get to see it that often.”