Koeman slams Man United

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has criticised Manchester United and has insisted his side are not too far off Jose Mourinho's men.

United sit fifth in the Premier League, two points ahead of the Merseyside outfit, and four points off Manchester City.

Despite impressive performances, the Red Devils have struggled to put teams away, drawing a league-high 12 games and Koeman says he is "not impressed" with their style of play.

“I cannot see Manchester United finishing in the top four,” said the Dutchman.

 “Zlatan’s injury looks bad and when I look at the amount of matches they are having to play this season I can see them missing the top four.

“I have not been impressed by the way they play.

“They are struggling to decide matches. With Everton we drew twice against United this season and both times there was more in it for us.

“The Europa League is a different calibre than the Champions League. The fact that Man United were struggling to beat a team like Anderlecht proves what kind of season the club is having.”

United have been linked with Everton top-scorer Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian rejected a new deal.

The former Chelsea striker has two years left on his current deal.

“Everton now have the resources to keep every player, including Lukaku, who has a contract for another two years,” Koeman added.

“I am talking to the owners every week. We want to make the next step with this club towards a higher level.

“A lot is possible here and we want to bring in the best players we can get, players who will help us to play for a place in the Champions League.

“For next season we need a bigger squad anyway as we will be in Europe again. But keeping our best players is a prime target for me. We are doing everything we can to hold on to top players.

“I have been there as a player too. I know what it is like when a player has big ambitions.

“But if we really want, we can make the players stick to their contract. That decision will eventually be made by the board.”

Image/Getty/Shaun Botterill