“They are Weak-Minded!” – Mark Goldbridge Slams Man United Players After ‘Disgusting’ Performance Against Spurs | OneFootball

Man United’s Collapse Against Spurs – Where Does the Blame Lie?

Manchester United’s recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur has left fans and pundits reeling, and no one has been more vocal than Mark Goldbridge of The United Stand. His post-match assessment, filled with frustration and disbelief, calls attention to some deep-rooted issues within the club, and it begs the question: is this just about Erik ten Hag, or are the problems much bigger?

Goldbridge didn’t mince his words when summarising the team’s performance, labelling it “disgusting.” His blunt reaction isn’t entirely surprising given the state of Manchester United over the past few seasons, where underperformance and inconsistency have become recurring themes.

Same Problems, Different Managers

The defeat raised familiar questions about whether Manchester United’s managerial issues are to blame. “A disgusting performance from Man United and the question will be about whether INEOS will act and sack Erik Ten Hag,” said Goldbridge. It’s a common reaction after such humiliating losses—look to the manager—but Goldbridge himself questions whether sacking Ten Hag would solve anything. “We done it to Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole. This is probably as low as I’ve been,” he admitted.

This sentiment strikes at the heart of Manchester United’s problem: no matter who is at the helm, the same issues persist. Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær all faced similar problems—players who fail to rise to the occasion, poor results against big teams, and a general lack of cohesion on the pitch. Sacking the manager may provide short-term relief or even a scapegoat, but the deeper issues remain unsolved.

Is It Really Ten Hag’s Fault?

Goldbridge went on to highlight how long-standing these issues are. “Mourinho said just a few weeks ago that there are three players he wanted to sell at Man United who are still here. He left the club six or seven years ago!” This quote reflects the broader issue of squad stagnation—players who have consistently underperformed but remain at the club.

Photo: IMAGO

This failure to rejuvenate the squad is one of the key problems plaguing Manchester United. Whether it’s down to poor recruitment or an inability to offload players, Ten Hag can’t be held solely responsible for issues that have spanned several managerial regimes. Fans are left wondering if changing the manager yet again will really fix anything when the same players continue to underperform.

Weak-Minded Players – The Core Issue?

Goldbridge’s criticism wasn’t reserved for the manager alone; he was scathing about the players too. “De Ligt was bad, Rashford was bad, Bruno was bad. There wasn’t a single decent performance, it was all bad,” he said. This lack of fight and leadership on the pitch has been a recurring theme at Old Trafford.

Photo: IMAGO

But it was Goldbridge’s observation about the players’ mentality that really hit home: “Regardless of the Ten Hag conversation, I just can’t move past the fact that I can’t trust these players. They are weak-minded players!” His assessment taps into the frustration of many United supporters, who feel that the squad lacks the mental toughness to compete at the highest level.

Manchester United’s once-dominant mentality, instilled by Sir Alex Ferguson, seems like a distant memory. The current crop of players has been criticised repeatedly for their lack of grit, leadership, and ability to perform when the stakes are high. A club of United’s stature cannot afford to have players who shrink under pressure, but that’s exactly what fans have been witnessing, week after week.

What Next for Manchester United?

While Goldbridge’s frustration is understandable, it’s hard to see where Manchester United go from here. Sacking Ten Hag, as Goldbridge himself points out, may not be the answer. The club needs a major overhaul, but that has been true for years now. The stagnation in the squad, the mental fragility of the players, and the consistent underperformance have all contributed to the club’s decline.

Perhaps the most telling part of Goldbridge’s rant was his comparison to previous managers and squads. “How is it that 70,000 Man United fans in the stadium understand how important this game is but the eleven players who get the honour to wear the shirt can’t?” The disconnect between the fans’ passion and the players’ performances is stark. It’s a question that highlights the fundamental issues at Manchester United—problems that go beyond any one manager.

For the Red Devils, it’s not just about fixing what happens on the pitch; it’s about rebuilding a winning culture and fostering the kind of mentality that was once synonymous with the club. As things stand, neither a managerial change nor a couple of signings will be enough to turn this ship around. Manchester United is in need of a comprehensive overhaul from top to bottom, and it’s unclear whether the current leadership has the vision or capability to deliver it.