The former Manchester United icon has suggested a number of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first team regulars can not be deployed together if the Red Devils are to stand any chance of success
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Solskjaer takes responsibility for Maguire selection in defeat
Gary Neville has expressed his concern over the balance in Manchester United’s team, claiming there are not enough “workhorses” in the starting eleven.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side’s dismal run of recent form continued as they were beaten 4-2 by LeicesterCity at the King Power Stadium – ending their impressive 29-game unbeaten run on their travels.
The result against the Foxes ensured United have won just two of their last seven games – as pressure mounts on the Norwegian in the Old Trafford hot-seat.
Neville was scathing in his assessment of United’s showing against Brendan Rodgers ‘ side, accusing them of being “pulled apart” during this underwhelming run of past fixtures.
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United boast a jaw-dropping array of attacking options, including Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood – who lashed home a fierce effort to open the scoring against Leicester, as Neville insisted that foursome will cause any other side problems.
“Their performances are nowhere near good enough, at the moment when they play half decent teams they’re going to struggle,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“The performances have been shoddy all season, its scrappy and scruffy to watch. So when you play against a team with a methodology you’re going to get pulled apart.
“They got pulled apart against Villa, pulled apart against Everton, pulled apart by Villarreal.
“We’ve seen a team that’s been picked today with Greenwood, Sancho, Pogba, Ronaldo and Fernandes in that team.
“I wouldn’t want to be a defender in that team. I’d love them as players but not all in the same team. There’s not enough workhorses.”
Neville went on to cite some lesser-mentioned members of more successful United squads from years gone by, explaining how integral they were.
“There’s a reason that Darren Fletcher and John O’Shea and Gary Neville and Nicky Butt and Tom Cleverley got a game alongside those great players at Manchester United, because they are workhorses.
“The current squad is unbalanced. Manchester United are getting what they deserve and it needs to change.
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“Today was no surprise, the performances weren’t very good even though they weren’t winning.”
The defeat has left many writing off United’s title chances – as Solskjaer’s men are currently five points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.
The Red Devils could potentially end the match-week as low as seventh if Everton and Tottenham win their clashes against West Ham and Newcastle respectively.
Given the level of financial backing Solskjaer received in the summer – a title challenge seems the bare minimum the Old Trafford faithful should expect.
