flag
back Back
Gary Neville Slams 'Absolute Negligence' Man Utd Decision After Bournemouth
Image: REUTERS/Susana Vera

Oct 25, 2026, 9:14 PM GMT

Matt Smith is a football writer covering the Premier League and exclusive news for GIVEMESPORT. Matt joined the company in March 2023 and is an avid Everton supporter who regularly attends games in his spare time

He has previously worked for CaughtOffside where he covered world football including transfers, match reports, previews, and more. Matt also works for Squakwa, FotMob, WhoScored, and regularly appears on Sky Sports to speak about Everton.

He also creates tactical analysis social media content and regularly appears on podcasts. After spending a few years coaching, playing, and analysing football, Matt moved over to the writing side of the game a few years ago.

Matt also works in commentary and match reporting, providing detailed analysis on some of the biggest games in England and Europe, with his reports regularly published on the Premier League website. 

He has amassed over 28,000 followers on X by giving his insight on football, predominantly focusing on the tactical side of the game. 

 

Sign in to your GiveMeSport account

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has gone on a fiery rant about Michael Carrick's side.

The latest defeat suffered by the Red Devils has sparked further talk surrounding the future of Carrick at Old Trafford.

The United manager is undoubtedly under pressure after a disappointing start to the season, amplified by their two defeats on the bounce against Como and Bournemouth.

Former United defender Neville has been very vocal about the Manchester club's disappointing season, which is no surprise as they continue to struggle.

There's still been no concrete decision on whether Carrick is going to remain at Old Trafford going forward, but the pressure is certainly mounting.

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the two names who are now being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford as United continue their succession planning.

Carrick is certainly not the only one to blame for United's struggles, with Neville pointing out that the board have let him down.

"And you've now got no defenders, and that is absolute negligence to leave that defence out on that pitch. I keep saying, and I'm being really kind because, to be fair, there are human beings out there, and you know, my words can be fair, because I've played out there in that shirt, it's not easy sometimes. But Leny Yoro should not be playing right back for Manchester United. Diogo Dalot should not be playing left back for Manchester United. Ayden Heaven is still learning his trade, but he should be learning his trade, probably developing in certain matches, not these types of matches."

It does appear that Neville is having more of a dig at the ownership and board rather than Carrick, as the United manager doesn't have a lot of options to change things at the back.

Over the last two summer transfer windows, Manchester United have heavily focused on improving their midfield and attack rather than their defence.

Man Utd made big error in summer window

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks worried on the training ground

It's completely understandable that United wanted to rebuild their midfield during the most recent summer transfer window.

However, the club have neglected a key position, failing to improve their defensive options.

The Red Devils were in the market for a new left-back at the time, with Lewis Hall heavily linked, but they failed to get a deal over the line.

In reality, United needed a huge rebuild of the whole squad, not just the midfield.

Man Utd Premier League Defensive Stats

Spending all of that money in one window is never going to be easy, but maybe they didn't need to bring in three midfielders and could have spent a portion of the budget on their defender.

When everyone is fit and firing, at least one of the new midfielders isn't even going to be a starter, so they could certainly have afforded to sacrifice one for a defender.

Premier League Creators Higher or Lower

Who got more assists?

Round 1 of 9

You may like

Man Utd backed to appoint WORLD’S BEST MANAGER in ‘nutcase’ move

teamtalk.com 2 days ago

5 Bundesliga stars who flopped in the Premier League

bulinews.com 4 days ago

Wilcox selects new Man Utd manager with Ratcliffe expected to approve move

teamtalk.com 2 days ago

Paul Scholes Already Named Manager Who is ‘Perfect For Man Utd’ as Carrick Faces Sack

givemesport.com 14 hours ago

Man Utd boss's brilliant five minute speech sent a brutal message to his players

express.co.uk 2 days ago

Paul Scholes Names Surprise 34-Cap England Ace Who Was ‘Better’ Than Lampard and Gerrard

givemesport.com 2 days ago

'I played against Rio Ferdinand and John Terry but another Barclaysman was better'

mirror.co.uk 1 day ago

Kai Rooney stuns fans as they call for Man Utd promotion after win over Liverpool U18s

mirror.co.uk 1 day ago

How Much Money Jadon Sancho Would Earn at Getafe Compared to Man Utd Wage

givemesport.com 1 day ago