Gary Neville Slams Four Manchester United Players After Brighton Defeat
Manchester United’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Brighton on Saturday has left many fans and pundits scratching their heads. Former Red Devil Gary Neville was particularly scathing in his criticism of four United players, who he believes let the team down in the crucial moments of the game.
Speaking on his podcast, Neville pinpointed Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, and Joshua Zirkzee as the culprits. "Three of them contributed towards that," Neville said. "It was a really poor first goal to give away. Obviously, they get back into it and then if that goal counts, the Zirkzee one where Garnacho plays it across and it’s in except it’s not in. That’s the problem."
Neville was particularly critical of the team’s organization after Brighton’s equalizing goal. "They have cleared a corner and when you do that until you know that ball is fully cleared, you don’t go back into your normal shape. You stay in your corner shape, your areas, and come out together," he explained. "They moved back into usual shape rather than treat it as a second phase of a corner, that was the big mistake they made."
The former United captain also questioned the team’s ability to hold their discipline and maintain their shape, particularly in the aftermath of a corner kick. "Casemiro and a couple of others run towards the ball and come across defenders, which just leaves an absolute mountain of space at the back post," Neville said. "That is basics, you need to hold your discipline. If you’re a right back and find yourself at left back coming out after a corner, that’s where you stay for even a minute."
Neville’s criticism of United’s lack of a traditional center-forward was also a recurring theme. "It is very difficult to play football without a centre forward. I know it has been done with false 9s," he said. "But you need someone who can hold the ball up and bring others into play. United are struggling to find that."
The defeat to Brighton has left United’s fans and pundits alike wondering what the future holds for the team. With a tough schedule ahead, Erik ten Hag’s men will need to regroup and rediscover their form if they are to challenge for a top-four finish.
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