Neville questions Man Utd effort after Tottenham draw
Gary Neville questioned Manchester United’s effort and mentality in their 1-1 draw with Tottenham, warning that some players appear to be struggling with the demands of playing for the club.
The former United defender was critical of the team’s intensity and said the reaction from supporters reflected growing frustration.
“What United fans won’t accept is what they deem as a lack of effort and the reality is they’re not running enough, they’re not showing enough tenacity, determination and fighting spirit,” Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast.
“The boos tell you they are really despondent with what they are watching.
“What we are seeing at the moment is a team that looks like they are curling up in a ball and the club, for some of them right now, is getting a bit big for them.”
Neville also raised concerns over the midfield partnership of Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo.
“I think we’ve seen enough of it now,” he said.
“I’m not calling time on it because I think that’s probably too drastic – but I’ve seen enough of it to think it’s not dynamic enough to play at this football club in the Premier League.
“They are both good players individually but sometimes you have players who just don’t quite knit together and suit each other.”
He felt the introduction of Carlos Baleba alongside Mainoo brought more energy, but warned United must improve quickly ahead of a difficult run of fixtures.
“When Baleba came on with Mainoo, that certainly looked more like there was more energy but there is going to have to be something done in there and the rest of them are going to have to get a grip.
“They’re going to Atletico and then to Elland Road, and if you’re not quite right there mentally and physically, you’re going to get found out.
“If they don’t get going, it’s going to be a worrying few weeks.”
Neville added that United’s three-week break was supposed to offer a chance to reset and was baffled by their start against Spurs.
“That three-week break was supposed to be a reset moment,” he said.
“But how you can perform like that in the first 20 minutes is really difficult to understand.”
