The fallout from Manchester United’s latest Premier League defeat has been damning, with fans pundits and laying into Ruben Amorim’s side after the 4-1 loss at St. James Park.
Newcastle United outfought and outplayed a United side that is now guaranteed to finish with their lowest ever points tally in the history of the Premier League.
Furthermore, the hosts completed their first league double over United for almost 100 years as the ugly, unwanted stats continue to pile up on Amorim and his underperforming stars.
As reported by Sky Sports, Gary Neville was one of the high profile names quizzed on the performance and the former club captain didn’t hold back in his assessment of where he feels this United side are currently at.
Speaking in his role on NBC Sports, Neville believes the players at Amorim’s disposal are just not up to the level and despite their best efforts, major surgery is needed in the upcoming transfer window.
“They are not a very good team, it’s as simple as that. I said at the start of the game that if Newcastle play well, Man Utd will get beat.
“The problem with this group of players they are giving it their all. There isn’t a lack of effort. They are so below the standard and quality you need at that football club, all over the pitch,” he said.
Neville named Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo as the only players he would “hang his hat on” before continuing to pick apart the “massive issues” at Old Trafford, starting with the system currently being deployed.
“The system is a problem. I’ve asked this question for about two months, who are the natural wing backs? Players that are good going forward, that have great energy and that are good enough going back. Who are those players?
“Who are these two players he plays in behind the striker? They need a centre-forward who is going to carry the line,” he added.
Neville admits United are way off the standard required at the moment and concluded by saying Amorim is going to need time and relevant support from INEOS if he is to turn the tide.
“Honestly, you don’t know where to start, you don’t know where to build the first step from, and that’s the problem at the moment.
There’s a serious amount of time required and good recruitment for that club to get right,” he said.
Whilst Neville makes valid points regarding the quality of the squad, United could be forgiven for having one eye on the huge upcoming European League quarter final second leg against Lyon on Thursday which was reflected in Amorim’s starting XI at Newcastle and the timing of his substitutions.
Getting minutes into important returning players such as Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw would have been pre-planned before the Newcastle game with the trio hoping to play a part in midweek.
Amorim will be hoping he finds the formula to see of the French outfit and progress to the semi final, which would keep the season alive for another few weeks at least.
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
