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Liverpool legend Lawrenson: Man Utd must buy entire new defence

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson says Manchester United need to overhaul their entire defence.

Lawro believes even United's defensive reserves need to be replaced.

"You're talking about replacing the whole of the back four, at least," said the BBC 5Live pundit.

"They need a right-back because Rafael's not good enough defensively, absolutely no way. (Alex) Buttner would come in for Evra (at left-back) because he'll go, but he (Buttner) isn't good enough.

"(Chris) Smalling has not played enough games and can be quite naïve at times. He's a great athlete but I think his positional play isn't brilliant."

Lawrenson went on: "(Phil) Jones is just a stop-gap in midfield because his feet aren't good enough at all.

"He is someone who has to play at the back and attack the ball - but he needs help.

"Jonny Evans has played lots of games but I think he plays for himself, and some players are like that. There's nothing wrong with that - he has to play 100 per cent for himself just to get through the game.

"So that's another problem - organisation. When the ball comes into their last third they don't look as if they've got great confidence.

"It's a problem - they play like they could concede a goal at any moment."

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