Steve Cooper gives damning ‘desire’ verdict on Man Utd defeat, makes feelings clear on possible excuse

Leicester City manager Steve Cooper delivered a damning verdict following his side’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

   The odds were against the Foxes as they traveled to Old Trafford for the second time in two weeks.

   Leicester lost 5-2 to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men last Wednesday and this game had a similar result.

   In the Dutchman’s last game as interim manager of the Red Devils, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garncaho and a Victor Kristiansen own goal gave the home side a comfortable victory.

   Cooper was not impressed with the performance and had some harsh words for his players.

   Steve Cooper’s damning verdict on Man Utd defeat

   Arguably the biggest criticism a manager can have of his players is a lack of ‘desire’, and that’s what Cooper faulted the Foxes for.

   “The result will paint the picture, but in the end we didn’t show enough desire in both penalty areas. We conceded two unstoppable shots from outside the goal area,” he told BBC Sport.

   “The two goals also came from our corners, which is frustrating. It wasn’t a dangerous position, but we made it dangerous. On the other end, we got into good areas but we didn’t show the same desire.

   “Our overall game was good, but in the end we didn’t have a goal. We had a good game, we were in the game, there was no feeling that they were going to score the next goal.

   Leicester are now three league games without a win and are just four points above the relegation places.

   Steve Cooper refuses to blame Jamie Vardy’s absence

   Jamie Vardy started all 10 of Leicester’s Premier League games before Sunday but missed the game against United through injury.

   Now 37, Vardy is no longer the world-class player he once was, although he remains an integral part of the team.

   In fact, the former England international is Leicester’s top scorer in the league so far this season with four goals.

   But Cooper was quick to dismiss his absence as an excuse for the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

   “We can’t just say we missed Jamie Vardy, we can’t rely on that,” the Welshman added.