Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has criticized his former team after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day at Molineux.

Owen was particularly harsh about United’s attacking performance, describing their display as “absolutely awful.”

He noted the lack of fluidity in their play and the absence of creativity in the final third.

The former England international pointed out that the team is struggling to function under manager Ruben Amorim.

“When you look at Manchester United against Wolves, it’s hard to see any sort of coordination,” Owen said on Premier League Productions.

“They’ve got three players marking one at the back, which is something you’d never see from a team like Liverpool.

They go man for man, and if there’s space, they use it to attack.”

Owen went on to emphasize that even if the team wasn’t conceding goals, it would still be a worrying situation, as the overall play just isn’t coming together.

“They’re terrible going forward, and I can’t recall a single meaningful chance they created against Wolves,” he added.

The defeat left Manchester United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, further adding to the pressure on Amorim’s managerial reign.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has sent a clear message to his teammates following their impressive 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League.

The match played at Anfield on Boxing Day, saw Salah scoring the third goal to seal the win for the Reds.

Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones also found the back of the net, helping Liverpool secure a crucial three points.

The victory propelled Liverpool to 42 points after 17 matches, keeping them firmly at the top of the Premier League table.

They currently hold a seven-point lead over Chelsea, who sit in second place with 35 points from 18 games.

Speaking after the game, Salah expressed his determination to see Liverpool reclaim the Premier League title.

He acknowledged the team’s strong position but stressed the importance of hard work and humility as they pursue their goal.

“This season feels different. I want to win the Premier League, and we all want to win it,” Salah said.

“Let’s make it happen. But we have to remember that the key is to keep working hard and stay humble.”

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has hailed Ademola Lookman as one of the finest footballers in the world, praising the Nigerian winger’s remarkable growth and consistency since his arrival at the club.

Lookman joined Atalanta from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2022 and has since flourished, becoming a key figure in the Bergamo-based team.

The 27-year-old winger’s impressive performances this season have captured global attention.

With 12 goals and five assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, Lookman has been instrumental in Atalanta’s campaign.

Lookman’s  form also earned him significant recognition off the pitch.

In 2024, he was ranked 14th in the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards, placing him among the world’s elite players.

Additionally, he was crowned Africa’s best player.

Gasperini expressed admiration for Lookman’s progress and highlighted his importance to the team.

“Ademola is a top player,” Gasperini said.

“In terms of character, there are players with more consistency, but that’s understandable given the demands of his role.

He always needs to be at his peak physically, but he’s become an extraordinary player.

He’s now among the best in Europe and the world.”

The manager also emphasized how Lookman has elevated his game by improving his consistency, which has allowed him to shine in Atalanta’s competitive system.

“He’s not just talented; he’s crucial for Atalanta,” Gasperini added.