It's not coaches — Gerard Pique explains Man United's problem

Former Manchester United defender Gerard Piqué has publicly called out the current squad at Old Trafford, insisting that the players must take responsibility for their abysmal performances rather than hiding behind the club's revolving door of managers.

Speaking on The Late Run Show, the Spaniard was asked if the Red Devils have the required quality to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League and Champions League. 

"I mean, they spend a huge amount of money, and the players need to show that they are worth that money,” comment said.       

“Because right now, it's very easy to blame the coach when you don't have results. And it's... at least in football, this is what happens when a team is not performing well: it's the coach. But it's not true.

"The players are the ones that are on the pitch, and they need to get results. It's been already a few years with different coaches, so at some point, players they need to be accountable."

Piqué’s assessment perfectly captures the frustration surrounding Manchester United’s underachievement despite their astronomical investments in player acquisition.

The club has notoriously spent over £1.4 billion over the last decade, including nearly £400 million during Erik ten Hag's tenure alone, yet remains mired in profound managerial instability. 

Following Ten Hag's dismissal in October 2024, the Red Devils endured a disastrous stint under Rúben Amorim, who was sacked in January 2026 after presiding over the club's lowest-ever Premier League finish (15th) in the 2024/25 season, leaving Michael Carrick to step in as interim manager. 

Having won the Premier League and Champions League titles during his own four-year stint at Old Trafford before achieving legendary status at Barcelona, Piqué intimately understands the standards required to succeed in Manchester.