According to a report by Evening Standard on Monday, November 9, 2026, former Manchester United defenders Gary Neville and Phil Neville have expressed serious concerns about the club's defensive weaknesses, identifying four players they believe could drag the team into a relegation battle and ultimately put Michael Carrick's job as manager in jeopardy.

The former England internationals made their observations following Manchester United's dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa in Sunday's Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Despite producing an impressive attacking comeback on two occasions after falling two goals behind, United were unable to resolve their defensive difficulties. Unai Emery's side found the back of the net four times, exposing the weaknesses that have continued to affect Carrick's team this season.

The disappointing result has further increased the pressure on Manchester United, who have now conceded 19 goals in their opening 10 Premier League matches of the 2026/27 campaign. Their struggles at the back have become a major concern, particularly as the club continue to battle near the relegation zone.

Speaking as a pundit on NBC Sports, former United captain Gary Neville questioned the club's transfer strategy, arguing that strengthening the defence should have been one of their biggest priorities during the previous transfer window.

The former defender believes Manchester United's decision not to bring in additional experienced defensive players has contributed significantly to their current problems.

Gary Neville said: "The reason Manchester United have conceded four goals is because they haven't invested in the defence in the transfer window.

"Everyone knew they had to do that, they needed defenders. The current ones are making mistake after mistake after mistake.

"The defenders that finished that game will get you relegated. Watch the defensive errors. We all screamed in the transfer window that they have to bring some defenders in."

His brother Phil Neville shared the same concerns but specifically identified four players whose defensive performances he believes are not good enough for a club competing in the Premier League.

The former Manchester United defender pointed towards Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu, who were involved in the defensive setup towards the closing stages of the encounter against Aston Villa.

Phil Neville warned that depending on such a defensive combination could have serious consequences for Manchester United, adding that the situation could eventually cost Carrick his managerial position.

He said: "The back four that finished the game – Mazraoui, Yoro, Heaven and Dorgu – that gets you relegated.

"That back four gets you the sack as a manager and that back four cannot keep United, I don't think, in the Premier League.

"That back four gets you relegated, it's poor. It's not good enough to play in the Premier League."

The comments from the two former United defenders have reignited discussions about the club's recruitment decisions and whether sufficient attention has been given to improving the defensive department.

Manchester United have invested in different areas of their squad, but their inability to establish a reliable backline continues to undermine their performances. While the attacking players demonstrated their determination by scoring four goals against Aston Villa, their defensive mistakes prevented the team from securing all three points.

For Carrick, the immediate challenge will be finding a way to improve his team's defensive organisation and reduce the individual errors that have repeatedly affected their results.

The upcoming fixtures after the international break could prove important in determining whether Manchester United can turn their difficult situation around.

With criticism growing from former players and supporters becoming increasingly concerned, Carrick will need to demonstrate that he can address the defensive shortcomings and guide the club towards a more stable position in the Premier League.