Gary Neville has torn into Manchester United’s senior players after watching them stumble to a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest, ending Ruben Amorim’s three-game winning streak. The former United captain claimed the side’s “ageing spine” must shoulder more responsibility as the Red Devils slipped from fifth to eighth in the Premier League table.
United looked in control when Casemiro struck in the first half, but once again defensive frailties were exposed straight after the break. Two goals in two minutes turned the game on its head before Amad Diallo’s stunning long-range strike salvaged a point late on. Amorim’s men almost snatched victory in stoppage time but were denied by a desperate clearance off the line from Forest defender Murillo.
Neville, never one to mince his words, delivered a stinging assessment on The Overlap. “Your spine is everything,” he said. “When I came through, we had Schmeichel, Bruce, Pallister, Keane and Cantona. They were the backbone and gave us confidence every week. I look at United now and I just do not see that same authority.”
He singled out Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as players who should be doing “a lot better”. Neville added, “Maguire and de Ligt have huge experience. Casemiro and Bruno too. That’s the spine, and it is ageing, but it should be holding things together rather than falling apart. Right now, they are not delivering.”
Neville drew comparisons with Liverpool’s structure, praising their balance and reliability. “Liverpool have Alisson, Van Dijk, Mac Allister, Gravenberch and that front line. They have a spine you can rely on. United’s just looks uncertain.”
Despite signs of attacking improvement, United’s defensive issues remain glaring. They have now conceded 16 goals in the league, the worst record among teams in the top half. Amorim’s desire to fit his attacking options into the lineup has also raised eyebrows. Bruno Fernandes has been pushed into a deeper role alongside Casemiro, leaving gaps that opponents are quick to exploit.
At the back, Amorim has persisted with de Ligt and Maguire supporting teenage defender Leny Yoro, while Amad Diallo — naturally a winger — has been repurposed as a full back. It is a bold but risky approach that has left United vulnerable.
Neville’s message was clear. United’s experienced core must rediscover their authority fast or risk watching another season slip away. “You cannot rely on the kids to bail you out every week,” he said. “Those senior lads have got to stand up and lead.”