Ally McCoist claims one Man Utd player is being 'dragged down' by his teammates this season

Ally McCoist has claimed that one Manchester United player has been let down by his teammates this season.

The 23/24 campaign has been a disappointment so far for United and Erik ten Hag despite their big summer spending to bring in the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund.

United are currently eighth in the Premier League table and their European dream turned into a nightmare after a disastrous Champions League campaign which resulted in them finishing bottom of their group.

Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist has claimed that United captain Bruno Fernandes has been dragged down by his teammates.

He said: “I’m not happy with all the hands up and stuff but I’ve watched him closely and he’s probably been their best player but you got to take into account United haven’t been good.

“I actually think, I think he would be a top player in a top team.”

After being told by his co-presenter Alan Brazil that he has been disappointed by Fernandes’ performances this season, McCoist said: “I think he’s been, dare I say it, dragged down a little bit.

“I thought the penalty was embarrassing the other night I’ve got to say. But I just think the surroundings and everything that has gone on around him has maybe brought him down a little bit.

“I think he would be the last one out of the United team that I’ve watched that you’d point a finger at.”

“He’s probably been their best player!” 👀🇵🇹

😳 “He’d be the last one that I’d be pointing a finger at! I think he’s been dragged down a bit.”

Ally McCoist claims Bruno Fernandes has been let down by his surroundings at #MUFC. 🔴 pic.twitter.com/RbDf9H6ESS

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 10, 2024

During United’s 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Monday night, Fernandes was accused of diving for the penalty which referee Anthony Taylor awarded in his favour.

Speaking about the incident, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said: “It is horrendous. It is not just Fernandes, we have seen a few of them recently, Diogo [Jota vs Newcastle last week].

“There is a tiny little touch and unfortunately, what we are doing by giving those penalties, is we are encouraging players to dive with any, any contact. It is an exaggerated fall, it is an awful decision and it's encouraging diving. It is encouraging players to go down.”