Gary Neville admits Ruben Amorim‘s biggest issue with his Manchester United side is that there is a distinct lack of quality as the former player confessed they are “so below the standard”. The Red Devils were beaten again in the Premier League – this time at Newcastle.
The 4-1 win for the hosts at St James’ Park resigned United to their 14th loss in the league this term as they prepare to make unwanted history. Amorim’s side were second best for much of the game at Newcastle with their lack of quality being called out.
Neville claimed there was little issue with the effort, but that was undermined by the lack of ability that exists within the group and the pundit named just two players – one of whom is currently sidelined through injury – who he believes would produce the necessary performance levels.
United fell apart in the final stages as Harvey Barnes and Bruno Guimaraes both scored following errors from those in the backline as Neville was left to dig out the club he played for.
He said on NBC Sports: “They’re not a very good team, simple as that. There have Manchester United teams over the years when the biggest problem has been that they’ve not given it their all. The problem with this group of players is that they’re giving it their all.
“I don’t think there’s a lack of effort. They’re so below the standard and quality you need at that football club. Other than Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo maybe, I can’t think of any of them that I would hang my hat on. It’s a really desperate situation because the squad is so poor in quality. They’ve got old and young players that are nowhere near it and then there’s a group of players in the middle. It’s a worrying situation.”
Roy Keane was equally critical as Amorim’s horrendous record as manager continued. The loss leaves United in 14th, three points above Wolves, who had been seen as relegation contenders just months ago.
The Irishman admitted that there wasn’t a single element to United’s play that could be cited as a positive, instead claiming the team were weak in every department.
He said: “You look at certain teams in the Premier League and you hang your hat on one thing – they’re big and strong, they’re technically brilliant – but you look at United and you ask what they’re really good at… They’ve not got a world-class striker, they’ve not got a strong spine, they’re not athletic. So you look at United and you say, ‘I’m not sure what they’re good at!’ They’re not really good at anything! They’ve got some half-decent players but the table doesn’t lie.”
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