star has hit back at the criticism he has received this season, suggesting that he ‘loses respect’ for those who he feels have disrespected him this season. Having been utilised in the midfield but also in the heart of the back line by boss Erik ten Hag, the Brazilian ace has endured his fair share of stern words from pundits and fans alike, with him not performing to his usual standards. Reflecting on his season at Old Trafford while speaking to , the former Real Madrid midfielder suggested that he understands that playing football comes with criticism – but it has gotten to a point where respect has been lost.
“Criticism is a part of football. And I’m always very calm, especially with the criticism and when it’s constructive criticism, it’s always welcomed. Especially in football, when you’ve been playing at a high level for 10 years and you drop your level a little, the criticism will come.
But from the moment when you feel disrespected, I don’t think it’s right. And that is when I lose respect for those people.” "“The criticism is disrespectful.
I was considered one of the best signings of the Premier League last season, and now I'm not worth anything anymore?” Manchester United signed the now-32-year-old from Los Blancos for a whopping £70 million in the summer of 2022, the same period when Ten Hag was appointed, and despite impressing during his inaugural season in the , the drop-off in performances of the five-time Champions League winner has.