Brazilian Santos has come under fire for a poor display in Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, where the left-back failed to deal with the movement of Rafael and Antonio Valencia throughout the game.

And former Arsenal midfielder Parlour believes Santos should have been concentrating more on the game, and less on securing Van Persie's shirt - especially considering the forward scored just three minutes into the contest.

Questioned by The Sun on Santos' action, Parlour said: "That's a joke. I wouldn't have that. At half-time? He should be concentrating on his game and he was having a nightmare."

"He can't play in a back four as he gets caught out of position all the time."

Santos, a 5.6 million-pound signing from Fenerbache last year, has struggled to hold down a regular place in Arsene Wenger's starting line-up, and did his future chances no favours against United.