ไทย
English
中國人
Manchester United were held to a frustrating 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, with former defender Gary Neville questioning the commitment and intensity of Michael Carrick's squad, with midfielders Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo drawing particular criticism.
Despite Spurs being reduced to 10 men after Rodrigo Bentancur's red card, United were unable to protect their advantage following Bryan Mbeumo's 73rd-minute strike. Dominic Solanke netted a stoppage-time leveler to snatch a point from Carrick's men, leaving United sitting 12th in the Premier League after six matches.
The deflating outcome sparked boos from the Old Trafford faithful, with Neville delivering a harsh verdict on United's display on The Gary Neville Podcast.
Neville singled out the midfield pairing of Tielemans and Mainoo as a concern. While recognizing the individual abilities of both players, he questioned whether they have the drive and energy required to function effectively as a duo in the Premier League.
"With Tielemans and Mainoo, I think we've seen enough of it now," Neville said. "I'm not writing it off completely because I think that might be too hasty—but I've seen enough to feel it simply isn't dynamic enough for this football club in the Premier League.
"They are both talented players on their own, but sometimes you get players who just don't quite click or complement one another."
Neville also highlighted the contribution of summer arrival Carlos Baleba, who entered the fray against Spurs with just over 30 minutes left. The former United captain felt the midfield appeared more lively when Baleba lined up alongside Mainoo, hinting that Carrick may need to rethink his central midfield setup.
"When Baleba came on with Mainoo, that certainly looked like there was more energy, but something is going to have to change in there, and the rest of them are going to have to step up," he added.
'Are They Going Under?'
The former defender raised doubts about the team's work rate and pressing intensity, arguing that their apparent lack of effort was becoming a serious issue.
United have faced scrutiny over their physical output this season, ranking among the lowest Premier League sides for distance covered, sprints, and high-intensity runs. Tielemans himself has acknowledged that the squad did not put in sufficient work in those areas during preseason.
Neville questioned whether United's difficulties stemmed from a dip in confidence or a more fundamental problem within the dressing room.
"The shake of Carrick's head will be ... are they doing it for me? What's happening with that lot?" Neville said. "Have they lost their confidence? Have they switched off? Are they going under? What is going on? Because these aren't the players I was working with last season."
Neville Worried About United's Upcoming Fixture Schedule
United's midfield issues could become even more pressing as the club braces for a grueling run of fixtures.
They face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League in midweek before heading to Elland Road to take on an in-form Leeds United the following weekend.
With the schedule set to ramp up, United are entering a stretch in which they will play nearly twice a week until the next international break in mid-November. Given their struggles against Spurs, Neville is concerned about whether the squad possesses the physical and mental fortitude to handle the mounting demands.
"It is a real concern, going into a slog where you are playing every three days and the Champions League is going to hit you hard," he said.
"You've got tough matches, and all of the games coming up are going to demand real personality and character. It needs a group of players who are resilient, and at the moment, you do worry about them going into that run of matches and how they are going to come out of it."