Robinson hits back after wretched Noble stat revealed at West Ham
Paul Robinson insisted it is "very harsh" to criticise West Ham manager David Moyes for his team selection against Manchester United.
The former Spurs and England number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said the decision to play Mark Noble was justified and should not be seen as the sole reason they lost.
Noble replaced Jesse Lingard in the starting XI for the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, with the Hammers beaten 1-0 by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
David Moyes's side have not won a league game in which their club captain has started this season (drawn one, lost three).
Robinson backed Moyes's decision to start Noble ahead of the likes of Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini.
"I think is is very harsh to criticise the team selection," he told Football Insider.
"Let's not forget that they are playing against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
"Yes, West Ham are on a very good run but they should not get too far above their station too quickly.
"You cannot go to Old Trafford and play open and expansive football because they would get picked off. Manchester United are a very good side. They are second in the league for a reason.
"It would have been naive for West Ham to go there and play expansive football and that is why Noble started. It was a defensive team from Moyes with the five across the midfield but I think it is hard to pinpoint that as the reason that they lost.
"It's very harsh to level any criticism at David Moyes right now given the job he has done."