We still got it: Former Liverpool player John Arne Riise (left) and Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham showing off their skills after the press conference for the Battle of the Reds’ exhibition match. —Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Former Manchester United star Teddy Sheringham has lamented over his former club’s current approach to player acquisitions and highlighted a perceived lack of leadership on and off the pitch.
Sheringham pointed out that United missed the opportunity to secure the services of English talents Harry Kane and Declan Rice when they were available in the summer, and reminisced about a time when the club’s pursuit of top players knew no financial bounds under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.
“In Sir Alex’s time, if a top player were to become available he would go out and break the bank to bring them to the club,” said the 57-year-old Sheringham at the Battle of the Reds press conference at the Amari Hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“During my time, Gary Pallister was the big name at one stage and United snapped him up. Later on, it was Roy Keane, Dimitar Berbatov and Robin van Persie.
“He would bring these players to the club so they could lead by example both on and off the pitch.
“For me, Harry and Declan are these types of players (leaders) and I can’t believe United were not in for players of that ilk last summer.
“If you have no leaders on the pitch, then you will have problems, especially at a club like United.”
Sheringham has low expectations for the club to conclude this season in the English Premier League in the top four.
United, who are managed by Erik ten Hag, are currently eighth in the standings with 32 points, having won 10 matches, drawn twice and lost nine times.
“It’s been a tough season for Manchester United.
“They will probably finish around where they are now (eighth).
“I don’t see any big changes for United at the moment, they are a very inconsistent team.
“You get that with decent players, they are not top players with leaders in the team,” added Sheringham, who is hoping that the appointment of former Manchester City’s head of football operations Omar Berrada will bring positive changes to the club.
“Hopefully that is a good thing. There are definitely changes needed at United,” added Sheringham.
United’s arch-rivals Liverpool now lead the Premier League table with 48 points after 14 wins, six draws and one loss.
Meanwhile, both Sheringham and former Liverpool player John Arne Riise are excited about the Battle of the Reds’ exhibition match featuring legendary players from the two clubs at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on April 27.
“I am looking forward to it. I think I speak for both of us when I say we love coming to this part of the world,” said Sheringham.
“It is always good to come and see the fans who do not get the chance to come across to England.”
Tickets for the event will be on sale in the coming week, offering a range of prices from RM78 to RM1,888.
In a noteworthy collaboration tied to this historic sporting event, AllStar Sports has partnered with WeCareJourney Association to launch ‘’Art For Rare,’’ a CSR initiative featuring six artworks bearing the autographs of both players.
These artworks will be sold to raise funds for the local NGO.
The tournament’s organisers have pledged to donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of 376 tickets, each valued at RM108, to support WeCareJourney Association.
