Neville warns of disaster at Manchester United if Mazraoui stays
Manchester United remains in troubled times. After the spectacular 4‑4 draw against Aston Villa, United's defenders received heavy criticism from former players Gary and Phil Neville. The four defenders who were on the pitch at the final whistle were Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu. Phil Neville said sharply: “With these four defenders you get relegated.”
The defence in particular is cause for concern, and according to the brothers the lack of reinforcements is a major problem.
League standing and match analysis
United entered the November international break as number eighteen in the Premier League. Against Aston Villa the team at Old Trafford was already early facing a 0‑2 deficit. After a fine comeback United got to 2‑2, but after the break Villa again went ahead to 2‑4.
With two late goals United still managed to scrape a point from the fire. It is the worst ranking at this point of the season since 1986. Moreover the club has now gone eight competitive matches without a win.
Especially that quartet must answer the Neville brothers. According to the former United player the defence is not good enough for the Premier League. He added that a manager with such a backline could even lose his job. His brother Gary Neville directed his criticism mainly at Manchester United's transfer policy. According to him it is no surprise that the club concedes so many goals, since no defender was signed last summer. “Everyone knew the team needed reinforcements. The current defenders make mistake after mistake.”
Gary Neville believes that Manchester United should have invested in the defence last summer. According to him the club knew reinforcement was needed, but did not act.
Managerial pressure and possible successors
The position of Michael Carrick as manager of The Red Devils is now under heavy pressure.
According to The Athletic his dismissal during the international break appears imminent.
Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte are mentioned as possible successors.
A final decision, however, has not yet been made.