Gary Neville criticizes Ruben Amorim's leadership at Manchester United
05 Feb 2025

Former Manchester United player Gary Neville has voiced his disappointment with the team's performance under Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim.

After a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in matchweek 24 of the Premier League 2024/25 season on Sunday, Neville expressed his concerns on the Gary Neville Podcast.

He said he had initially hoped for improvement after Amorim's appointment but has instead witnessed a decline in performance.

Amorim's record: Worst start for a United manager
Record

The loss to Crystal Palace was Amorim's fifth league defeat in seven matches at Old Trafford, the worst start for any Manchester United manager.

The record is particularly disappointing as it comes after three consecutive wins against Rangers, Fulham, and Steaua Bucharest across competitions.

Neville warned that if this trend continues, it could lead to further difficulties for the team and its supporters.

Neville questions Amorim's team selection
Strategy

Neville also questioned Amorim's decision to play midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as his center-forward option in the match against Crystal Palace.

This was despite having recognized strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench.

The former United player suggested that this strategy may have boosted Palace's confidence, leading to their victory.

Neville suggests changes to Amorim's approach
Advice

Although he admitted Amorim can't change his style of play drastically at this stage, Neville advised some tweaks are needed.

He stressed the need to score goals and create chances, something he feels wasn't done enough with Mainoo in the forward position.

The former United player also raised concerns over the team's lack of physicality on the field.

United have a decent January transfer window
Transfers

Manchester United ended their January transfer window by signing Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu.

Neville addressed these developments, emphasizing the importance of wing-backs in Amorim's preferred system and hoping Dorgu could bring balance in this department.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven was another signing.

England forward Marcus Rashford was loaned out to Aston Villa in a late January deal.

Left-back Tyrell Malacia was loaned to PSV Eindhoven. Earlier, Antony was loaned to Real Betis.