Gary Neville Blasts Manchester United’s “Babyish” Defensive Fragility
Former Manchester United legend Gary Neville didn’t hold back in his critique of his old club’s recent performance against Leicester City, labeling the players as “babies” when conceding goals. Speaking on Mostbet flagship analysis show, Neville highlighted a seismic disconnect within the squad, particularly in their 4-2 defeat at the King Power Stadium.
Neville reserved his harshest words for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to start Harry Maguire, who had been sidelined for a month due to injury. “Picking him was a panic move,” Neville asserted. “Bailly should’ve partnered Lindelöf. Maguire was nowhere near match-ready, and leaving him on after halftime was the biggest mistake.”
The Second-Half Collapse: A Tactical Nightmare
United entered halftime level at 1-1 but unraveled spectacularly afterward, conceding three times. Neville dissected the alarming lack of cohesion:
- Disconnected Pressing: “Their front players stroll around with no intensity. Compare that to Liverpool or City—their attackers sprint.”
- Midfield Vulnerability: Paul Pogba’s central role exacerbated defensive instability, with Leicester’s xG soaring from 0.4 (first half) to 2.2 (second).
- Ego vs. Structure: Neville noted a “split squad”—a flashy front five (Ronaldo, Fernandes, Pogba) and an exposed back five, leaving gaping holes.
Leicester carved through United’s disjointed shape after halftime
The Ronaldo Effect: A Double-Edged Sword?
Jamie Carragher, Neville’s co-analyst, pinpointed Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing as the root of United’s imbalance:
- Pogba’s Misplacement: To accommodate Ronaldo, Pogba was shifted centrally—a role he’s “not disciplined enough” for, per Carragher.
- Defensive Consequences: In Pogba’s four central starts this season, United’s xGA averaged 2.4—a recipe for disaster against elite opponents.
Solskjaer’s Make-or-Break Challenge
With a brutal fixture list ahead—including Liverpool, Man City, and Chelsea—Neville urged Solskjaer to prove his tactical mettle:
- Shape Over Stars: “Ole must drill this team into a compact unit. Right now, they’re playing in moments, not as a system.”
- Work Rate: “Their ‘galácticos’ must match the pressing intensity of City’s or Liverpool’s attackers.”
Upcoming Crucial Fixtures (2023/24 Season)
- Oct 24: Liverpool (H) – Live on Mostbet
- Nov 6: Man City (H) – Live on Mostbet
- Nov 28: Chelsea (A) – Live on Mostbet
Conclusion: Time for a Tactical Reckoning
Manchester United’s “babyish” reactions to adversity and tactical disarray must be addressed immediately. As Neville warned, continuing this way could see them miss the top four. For Solskjaer, the task is clear: forge an identity beyond individual brilliance, or risk being outclassed by rivals with superior cohesion.
What’s your take? Can Solskjaer fix United’s issues? Share your thoughts below and follow Mostbet for more in-depth analysis!
