Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has lambasted Christian Eriksen and Casemiro’s role in his former side’s latest defeat.
In the last game of 2024, the Red Devils were torn apart by Newcastle United in a first 30 minute spell that could have seen the Magpies score four or five.
It ended up only a 0-2 defeat but the Sky Sports pundit highlighted the role of two players who contributed in particular to the shocking performance.
With Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes both suspended, Ruben Amorim had few options at his disposal in the middle of the park.
The first half went so poorly that Amorim decided to bring on an extra midfielder in Kobbie Mainoo after just 33 minutes.
Speaking on Sky Sports (via GIVEMESPORT) Neville tore into Casemiro and Eriksen’s lack of influence in the game as they were routinely beaten by Newcastle’s energetic midfield three of Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
“Casemiro and Eriksen in midfield are like mannequins. Little one-two around them, it’s so easy.”
The two players were brought in to United by Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2022 and enjoyed a rather fruitful partnership in that first season but since then, it has only been downhill.
“They’ve been two fabulous players throughout their careers but the last thing either of them wants to see is the other next to them.”
“All you want around you is legs. They shouldn’t be playing a game together in the Premier League. They really shouldn’t.”
With both players rumoured to be leaving the club in January or the summer it is perhaps possible that Neville will get his wish and not see the two together at Old Trafford again.
Manuel Ugarte has impressed since Amorim took over and Mainoo showed his promise with a strong performance last night but it is clear that midfield signings are very much necessary for the team to progress.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
