http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007090694,00.htmlLOU MACARI reckons Manchester UnitedÂ’s fringe players are a bunch of slackers.
The Old Trafford legend hit out after a weakened United side almost blew a 3-0 lead in their FA Cup replay against Reading.
Macari believes UnitedÂ’s second string are not working to improve themselves to put pressure on first-team regulars.
Macari rapped: “Nowadays, coming back, doing extra work, trying to improve your game and force your way into a team and dislodge a player like Paul Scholes or Gary Neville, simply doesn’t happen.
“We’re talking about these players being international players. But everyone’s an international now, almost by default.
“There’s a lack of quality throughout the Premiership.
“There are a bunch of players who seem content to just stroll along week-in, week-out.
“I don’t think any of these fringe players come back to train in the afternoon and are determined to get in the team. I think they just accept they’re going to be part of a squad. To be a part of Manchester United is fantastic, but you need to drive yourself.”
Macari did not name names but Kieran Richardson, John OÂ’Shea, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher were among those in a changed United side on Tuesday.
Despite racing into a 3-0 lead, United allowed Reading to get back to 3-2 and almost force extra time.
Clearly former Celtic and United star Macari believes the current Reds squad have got it too easy.
He said: “In the 70s and 80s the norm was that you worked at your game almost morning, noon and night. That’s changed dramatically now.
“We used to flog ourselves and only when you got to the top did you get your reward financially.
When youÂ’re an up -and-coming player, youÂ’re trying to get into the team and past established players like I had to do when I started at Celtic.
"There were European Cup winners in front of me and the thought of ever getting into the team, I just couldnÂ’t see it happening.
“But I had a manager who insisted I worked and grafted, along with the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Danny McGrain.
“We were made to come back every afternoon and work on our deficiencies. Deficiencies that Kenny had, funnily enough, he wasn’t a good goalscorer.
“I had no strength and no power, so I was made to come back and work.”
United will field a full strength side at Liverpool on Saturday with wing wonders Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs back in action.
On-loan striker Henrik Larsson singled them out for praise as United close in on a ninth Premiership title. He said: “There is no doubt in my mind Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players around.
“I’m enjoying playing with all the United players, but in particular it is great to be on the pitch with Ryan Giggs.
“He’s been around a long time and seems able to maintain the highest standards.”