Manchester United legend Gary Neville has voiced serious concerns about the club's senior players, despite their recent upturn in form. The Red Devils had won three consecutive matches under new boss Ruben Amorim before Saturday's 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest, but Neville believes key experienced players are still underperforming.
Speaking on The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Neville specifically called out Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Harry Maguire. These veterans "should be doing a lot better" according to the former United defender, who emphasized the importance of a strong team core.
"I think your spine of a football team is critical," Neville explained. "When I first came into Man United, our spine was Schmeichel, Bruce, Pallister, Keane and Cantona, and we were all scattered around it."
Experience Not Translating to Performance
Neville was particularly critical of United's central defenders. "I think Maguire and De Ligt should be doing a lot better than they are. You look at the experience those two have got."
He pointed out that Matthijs De Ligt has played "a mountain of games at the highest level" while Harry Maguire has extensive international experience with England. The midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes also came under fire for not using their vast experience effectively.
The ages of these players appear to be a significant concern for Neville. Bruno Fernandes (31), Casemiro (33), Maguire (32), and even the younger De Ligt (26) form what he describes as an "ageing spine" that should be "doing a lot better at holding it all together."
This criticism comes at a critical juncture for United, who have shown signs of improvement under Amorim but still sit mid-table in the Premier League. The team's inconsistency makes them a risky proposition for bettors looking at their upcoming fixtures.
United's Transition Under Amorim
Despite Neville's concerns, United's three consecutive wins before the Forest draw suggest Amorim might be starting to implement his ideas successfully. The Portuguese manager has begun to reshape the team's playing style since taking over.
However, bettors should note that defensive fragility remains an issue. The draw at Forest highlighted ongoing problems that experienced players like Maguire and Casemiro have yet to solve.
United's upcoming fixtures will test whether these veteran players can step up as Neville demands. Their performance could determine whether the club can climb back into European contention this season.
For punters, United's mixture of improved form under Amorim combined with their defensive vulnerability might make the 'Both Teams to Score' market particularly appealing when betting on their matches in the coming weeks.
