{
  "id": 16981612,
  "title": "United are awful to watch – Mikel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/united-are-awful-to-watch-mikel",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T00:32:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/united-are-awful-to-watch-mikel/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has harshly criticized Manchester United's recent performances, calling them \"awful to watch\" and a \"disaster.\" The 2013 AFCON winner made these remarks on The Obi One Podcast, expressing sympathy for frustrated fans. Mikel's comments come after United suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, leaving them winless in eight matches across all competitions and one point above the relegation zone. The club has only secured two wins in their first 12 games of the season. Michael Carrick, appointed as the permanent manager over the summer, is now facing heavy pressure from the club's INEOS hierarchy. Reports suggest that Carrick will retain his position for the upcoming match against Chelsea. Mikel believes that United requires an elite, seasoned tactician like Aston Villa's Unai Emery to rejuvenate the team's culture and restore the club to its previous glory. United is set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, a game that Carrick desperately needs to win. Chelsea currently leads the table in second place, six points ahead of United.",
  "summary": "Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has described Manchester United’s recent performances as awful and a disaster, citing their lack of cohesion. Read More: https://punchng.com/united-are-awful-to-watch-mikel/",
  "key_points": [
    "Manchester United awful to watch, disaster",
    "Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel criticizes",
    "United winless in eight matches, one point from relegation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Manchester United's prolonged winless streak places Michael Carrick under intense scrutiny from the INEOS hierarchy as the club struggles to find stability and avoid a relegation battle.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}