Ralph Hasenhuttl: Expert labels BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas a ‘hypocrite’ after Man United comments
Noel Whelan has slammed Match of the Day pundit Jermaine Jenas for his “hypocritical” comments in the wake of Southampton’s 1-1 draw at Man United on Saturday.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was correct to identify “weaknesses” in the Old Trafford club’s system.
Speaking post-match (12 February) and quoted by Richard Jolly, Hasenhuttl said “it is not a big secret that when they lose the ball that the reverse gears are not the best from everybody” – referring to Man United’s lack of intensity in transition.
Jenas, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day (12 February), insisted he “wasn’t a fan” of the comments and insisted the Saints boss should “focus on his team”.
When asked for his thoughts on the former Spurs midfielder’s comments, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think everyone has an opinion, why shouldn’t they express it if asked?
“Every manager looks at these weaknesses before games and identifies them, and right now there’s a lot of weaknesses in Man United’s play.
“He’s not putting Ralf Rangnick down, he’s just identifying a massive flaw which he looked to capitalise on.
“Don’t tell me that Jermaine Jenas doesn’t sit there and criticise managers and set-ups at times when it suits him. He just needs to let Hasenhuttl have his opinion and get on with it, because it’s a bit hypocritical.
“It’s the opposition manager’s job to find holes and weaknesses in a side, at the end of the day.”
Man United sit fifth in the Premier League.
Saturday’s clash marked the third consecutive game in which Rangnick’s side surrendered a 1-0 lead.
In other news, ex-FIFA official demands change after analysing Harry Maguire controversy.