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Gary Neville has criticised Manchester United’s lack of effort and fighting spirit, warning that the team could face a “nightmare” against Atlético de Madrid. The former player is concerned by the Red Devils’ response after their draw with Tottenham, with the two clubs due to meet in the Champions League in midweek.
Manchester United conceded a late equaliser against a Tottenham side reduced to ten men, and the players were booed twice at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. The result extended their winless run to four consecutive matches in all competitions. Neville has accused them of failing to work hard enough and lacking aggression and determination.
“What Manchester United supporters won’t accept is what they see as a lack of effort, and the truth is the players aren’t running enough or showing the necessary level of aggression, determination and fighting spirit. The boos tell you they are deeply frustrated by what they are seeing,” he said on his podcast. He also described a team that appears to be retreating into itself, with some players, in his view, struggling to handle the pressure of the club.
His criticism also extends to midfield. Neville believes the partnership of Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo lacks the dynamism to play together in the Premier League, while stressing that he is not calling for the pairing to be ended immediately. He said Manchester United had looked more dynamic when Carlos Baleba played alongside Mainoo and that a midfield change was needed. The team’s performances have prompted concern, while its running figures have been low since the start of the season. Tielemans has also said that this part of the game was not worked on much in pre-season.
The next test will be demanding: Manchester United will travel to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to face Atlético de Madrid, who won their opening league-phase match. The Spanish side sit second in Liga and beat Real Madrid in the capital derby in the week before the international break. Neville warned that his team’s weaknesses could be exposed if the players are not mentally and physically ready. He is also worried about the run of fixtures ahead, with a match every three days and the pressure of the Champions League.
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