http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007090694,00.html
LOU MACARI reckons Manchester Uniteds fringe players are a bunch
of slackers.
The Old Trafford legend hit out after a weakened United side almost
blew a 3-0 lead in their FA Cup replay against Reading.
Macari believes Uniteds second string are not working to improve
themselves to put pressure on first-team regulars.
Macari rapped: Nowadays, coming back, doing extra work, trying to
improve your game and force your way into a team and dislodge a
player like Paul Scholes or Gary Neville, simply doesnt
happen.
Were talking about these players being international players. But
everyones an international now, almost by default.
Theres a lack of quality throughout the Premiership.
There are a bunch of players who seem content to just stroll along
week-in, week-out.
I dont think any of these fringe players come back to train in
the afternoon and are determined to get in the team. I think they
just accept theyre going to be part of a squad. To be a part of
Manchester United is fantastic, but you need to drive
yourself.
Macari did not name names but Kieran Richardson, John OShea, Wes
Brown and Darren Fletcher were among those in a changed United side
on Tuesday.
Despite racing into a 3-0 lead, United allowed Reading to get back
to 3-2 and almost force extra time.
Clearly former Celtic and United star Macari believes the current
Reds squad have got it too easy.
He said: In the 70s and 80s the norm was that you worked at your
game almost morning, noon and night. Thats changed dramatically
now.
We used to flog ourselves and only when you got to the top did you
get your reward financially.
When youre an up -and-coming player, youre trying to get into the
team and past established players like I had to do when I started
at Celtic.
"There were European Cup winners in front of me and the thought of
ever getting into the team, I just couldnt see it happening.
But I had a manager who insisted I worked and grafted, along with
the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Danny McGrain.
We were made to come back every afternoon and work on our
deficiencies. Deficiencies that Kenny had, funnily enough, he
wasnt a good goalscorer.
I had no strength and no power, so I was made to come back and
work.
United will field a full strength side at Liverpool on Saturday
with wing wonders Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs back in
action.
On-loan striker Henrik Larsson singled them out for praise as
United close in on a ninth Premiership title. He said: There is no
doubt in my mind Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players
around.
Im enjoying playing with all the United players, but in
particular it is great to be on the pitch with Ryan Giggs.
Hes been around a long time and seems able to maintain the
highest standards.
