Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has described Manchester United’s recent performances as awful to watch.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel, who won the Premier League with Chelsea, said fans had every right to be frustrated by the lacklustre displays and lack of cohesion on the pitch.

“They were dreadful to watch, awful to watch. It was a disaster,” the 2013 AFCON winner said.

United are winless in eight matches in all competitions after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, leaving them one point above the relegation zone. They have won just two of their opening 12 games in all competitions this season.

Michael Carrick was given the permanent manager’s job over the summer after leading the club to Champions League qualification, but he is now under heavy pressure from the club’s INEOS hierarchy. Reports say he will remain in charge for the trip to Chelsea.

Mikel suggested that United need an elite, established tactician such as Aston Villa’s Unai Emery to reset the culture and restore the club to its former stature.

United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday in a game that Carrick badly needs to win. Chelsea are fifth in the table, six points ahead of United.