Dick Advocaat criticizes trio following another Sunderland loss

Dick Advocaat didn't pull any punches when it came to identifying weak links on his squad following Sunderland's 3-0 loss against Manchester United.

The defeat was Sunderland's fourth straight in the Premier League as the Black Cats were outclassed by Louis van Gaal's side thanks to goals by Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, and Juan Mata.

But it wasn't just the defence that drew the ire of the Dutch coach, as Advocaat called out a trio of players from all corners of the park. Defender Patrick van Aanholt, midfielder Adam Johnson, and new forward Fabio Borini each played a role in the loss.

"The first goal, it was a long ball," Advocaat told reporters. "Patrick van Aanholt is watching his own man rather than following the ball.

"You cannot let the ball go from that distance. The second goal was too easy, the third goal the same.

"Every ball he (Johnson) touched was wrong. Borini as a striker had problems keeping the ball, that's why I brought on (Steven) Fletcher at halftime."

It's still fairly early in the season, but Sunderland will have to turn things around quickly in order to avoid a repeat of last season when it had to fight until the last day to escape relegation.