MANCHESTER UNITED fans fumed at the state of the pitch during their pre-season clash with Aston Villa.
And they were worried the waterlogged field would cause some of their key stars to pick up injuries just two weeks before the new season starts.
United's game got the green light to go ahead at the 11th hour after a late pitch inspection.
Heavy rainfall in Perth meant the pitch was described as "barely playable" and led to groundstaff using blowers to dry out the Optus Stadium surface.
Manager Erik ten Hag was not happy with the conditions – but refused to drop his high standards from his players.
He said: "It’s a wonderful stadium, it’s a pity that the pitch is not that good because our football demands a good pitch.
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"But also, when the pitch is not that good you still have to deliver, so I demand a good performance from our team.”
And fans on social media piled in with their own comments.
One said: "That pitch is embarrassing."
Another wrote: "Watching the Man Utd vs Villa game and this pitch is taking me back to the heyday of the 90s!"
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A third added: "That’s literally worse than the Sunday league pitch down the road."
But dozens of others recognised the concern about potential for players getting hurt.
One commented: "The pitch isn't great at the Optus Stadium. Hoping for no injuries."
And a final user replied: "United should have refused to play on this pitch spells out injury and a rough game."
The friendly against Steven Gerrard's side is the final match of their pre-season tour in Australia which has featured wins over Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag's side face Atletico Madrid a week today then Rayo Vallecano next Sunday before kicking off their new Premier League campaign against Brighton on August 7.
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