According to a report by Evening Standard on Monday, November 9, 2026, Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Phil Neville have criticised the club's defensive options following their disappointing performance against Aston Villa, warning that four defenders could put the team's Premier League survival and Michael Carrick's future in danger.

The former United stars made their observations after Sunday's thrilling 4-4 encounter between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford, where both teams shared the points after an entertaining contest.

Despite finding themselves two goals behind on two separate occasions, Carrick's players managed to fight their way back into the game. However, their comeback was overshadowed by another disappointing defensive display, as they struggled to prevent Aston Villa from finding the back of the net four times.

United's defensive difficulties have become increasingly worrying this season. The club have already conceded 19 goals in 10 Premier League matches during the 2026/27 campaign, with their inability to keep clean sheets contributing to their disappointing position in the standings.

The situation has also increased the scrutiny surrounding Carrick, particularly as Manchester United remain inside the relegation zone heading into the final international break of the year.

Former captain Gary Neville believes the club must accept responsibility for their defensive struggles, pointing to their recruitment decisions as one of the major reasons behind the situation.

While speaking on NBC Sports, the former defender argued that Manchester United should have used the transfer window to bring in quality defenders instead of concentrating their resources on other positions.

He believes the club's decision not to strengthen the backline has left the manager relying on players who have repeatedly failed to avoid important defensive mistakes.

Gary Neville explained: "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."

Phil Neville equally expressed his disappointment with the defensive situation and specifically mentioned four players who were involved in the closing stages of the match against Aston Villa.

The former England international singled out Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu, suggesting that the defensive combination does not currently provide the reliability required to compete successfully in the Premier League.

According to Phil Neville, the quality of the four-man defence could become a serious problem for Manchester United, while Carrick might also suffer the consequences if the team's results fail to improve.

He stated: "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."

His assessment has further intensified discussions about Manchester United's transfer policy and the club's failure to address their defensive shortcomings.

The Red Devils have invested heavily in strengthening their squad over recent transfer windows, particularly in attacking positions and midfield. Nevertheless, the absence of sufficient defensive reinforcements has continued to attract criticism from former players and supporters.

Although United demonstrated considerable fighting spirit by recovering from a two-goal disadvantage against Aston Villa, their defensive mistakes prevented them from securing all three points.

Carrick now faces the challenge of improving his team's organisation at the back while ensuring that their attacking strengths are not affected.

The international break provides an opportunity for the manager and his coaching staff to examine the problems that have contributed to their poor defensive record.

With Manchester United desperate to move away from the relegation zone, the coming fixtures could prove important in determining whether Carrick can turn the situation around and ease the growing pressure surrounding his position at Old Trafford.