Former Manchester United Women head coach Casey Stoney has criticised Donny van de Beek’s role in West Ham’s goal that led to defeat in the Carabao Cup.
Van de Beek was handed a start in midfield for the second game with the Hammers in three days as Solskjaer made 11 changes to the team that won 2-1 in east London on Sunday.
The only goal of the match came after just nine minutes with Manuel Lanzini getting the goal after neat play from Ryan Fredericks who jinked past Alex Telles.
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The Argentine was left unmarked in the six-yard area to score with Stoney highlighting the Van de Beek’s positional error at the break.
‘He’s got drawn to the ball, he’s had his eyes on the ball and he’s not checked his shoulder,’ Stoney told Sky Sports.
‘There is only one ball being played from the byline and that is the cutback. ‘That is the danger. You have got to stay on your player and make sure you are in a position to defend it.’
Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole admitted he was surprised by his old side’s approach, praising their attacking style against United.
“It was more than I expected, I thought we would come here cagey, test the water. While West Ham have been on top they capitalised, Lanzini holds his run, Van de Beek had no idea he was there.”
However, the Hammers have been rewarded for their efforts with a clash against United’s local rivals and ‘noisy neighbours’ Man City in the fourth round.
The Red devils will resume their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday.
