Lessons of the past still true for Lou
LOU MACARI reckons the current Man United players could learn a thing or two about the mindset needed to succeed from some former Old Trafford greats.
Macari was watching a replay of an intense Gary Neville and company in the tunnel before a game against Manchester City when he shouted for his grandson to come and look at the difference between now and then.
The United and Scotland legend (right) pointed to how it was when the Red Devils were a force eager to do battle against whoever turned up on their territory.
He says today’s side, anchored at the foot of the Premier League table after two defeats in two games so far, should be paying attention too.
He said: “I started to watch a recording of Manchester United against Manchester City 13 or 14 years ago. Even before they kicked off I saw the biggest difference.
“The United team led by Gary Neville were in the tunnel with the City team alongside them. You saw the intensity of both teams.
“They were focused, they weren’t interested in the opposition. They were going out there to win for their team. They were facing straight in front of them, there was no shaking hands or hugging.
“As a result the game followed that pattern. It was do or die, must win.
“When I saw them in the tunnel I called my grandson over, who is a big United fan, and made him watch the two teams in the tunnel. ‘Look at Gary Neville,’ I said. ‘There’s no shaking of hands, no welcome to Old Trafford.’
“It was a statement of intent that City had a game on their hands before they had even got on the pitch. United were completely focused.
“That’s what is needed now. There has to be a change of attitude to realise what it’s all about.”
Macari doesn’t believe the current under-performing United side will suffer the same relegation fate as the 1973-74 Tommy Docherty team which he played in.
“There is just no comparison to now and when we were relegated,” he added. “Then it was more of a level playing field.
“Last season they were fighting for a
Champions League place. So if this team bucks up its ideas they could once again be competing at the other end of the table.”
Macari, who spends his time looking after up to 50 homeless people in his Stoke-based centre, believes United boss Erik ten Hag should follow the example of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta.
He said: “Anyone who thinks it’s an impossible should just look back 12 months. Mikel Arteta had a real fight on his hands. Look at it now – he has turned it around.
“His main job was to bring in some good players and to get rid of the bad characters.
“It’s an example for Ten Hag to follow. Forget the doom and gloom and talk of relegation. That’s ridiculous.
“Just take a leaf out of Mikel Arteta’s book. Get rid of the players who don’t want to know and bring in good players who are up for it.”