"Played really well" – Alan Shearer names 2 Manchester United stars who have shone in 'disaster' season

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has claimed that Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo have both been rare positives for Manchester United in the team's below-par season.

Earlier this Sunday (May 19), the Red Devils secured an eighth-placed finish in the 2023-24 Premier League table after a 2-0 triumph at Brighton & Hove Albion. They ended their domestic campaign with just 60 points from 38 games, boasting a goal difference of -1.

Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Shearer delivered his verdict on Manchester United's season. The 53-year-old elaborated (h/t TBR):

"Yeah, they've been really poor in every department. I know they've had injuries as well but when you look at all those statistics there, goals conceded, how worse on points they are, games lost, everything... it's been a really, really poor season."

Pinpointing two young members of Red Devils' squad, Shearer added:

"I know they've got the FA Cup final next weekend but in terms of the league, it's been a disaster really. They've had positives, the youngsters Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo, who have come in and played really, really well."

Mainoo, who made his senior debut for his boyhood club last January, has relished a breakout campaign at Manchester United. The 19-year-old midfielder has started 28 of his 31 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and recording one assist so far.

Diallo, on the other hand, has lately emerged as a key starter for the Red Devils in light of Marcus Rashford and Antony's respective poor forms. The 21-year-old left-footed winger has registered two goals and one assist in 12 overall matches in the 2023-24 campaign.

Manchester United star hits back at critics

Speaking to Sky Sports, Manchester United star Casemiro offered his thoughts on the criticism he has received throught the 2023-24 campaign. The 32-year-old said (h/t GOAL):

"You look towards the end of last season, the team was playing well with plenty of positive comments. I was considered one of the best signings of the Premier League last season and now I'm not worth anything anymore? The criticism is disrespectful. So, when it's lacking respect, it's worrying, and I don't have to respect that."

After joining the Red Devils in a £70 million transfer, Casemiro helped them lift the EFL Cup and finish third in the league table last season.

Casemiro, however, has struggled to impress more often than not this term despite contributing five goals and three assists in 32 matches.