‘Shouldn’t be playing together,’ fumes Gary Neville as Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd team demolished by Newcastle in 20 minutes
GARY NEVILLE took aim at Manchester United’s ageing midfield as the Red Devils faced a torrid opening 20 minutes against Newcastle United.
Man Utd didn’t even put up a fight in the opening exchanges of their Premier League clash against the Magpies – falling 2-0 down after only 19 minutes.
United were trailing in the FOURTH MINUTE thanks to a goal from Alexander Isak.
And Joelinton added a second for the visitors 15 minutes later to leave the Theatre of Dreams stunned to silence.
One person who wasn’t short for words was Gary Neville, who didn’t hold back in his assessment of his former club from the commentary gantry at Old Trafford.
Digging into Ruben Amorim‘s chosen midfield partnership of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, both 32, Neville claimed the pair shouldn’t be playing together.
He fumed: “We’ve mentioned their age… Casemiro and Eriksen should never be playing in a Premier League game together. They really shouldn’t.”
“They’ve been brilliant in their careers, but the last thing they want to see alongside them is the other.”
As the clock ticked on Neville continued his passionate dismantling of the two veterans.
After describing the opening exchanges as a “mauling”, he added: “When I saw the team sheet I thought it would be difficult for Man Utd to play well”
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Continuing: “[They have] two centre midfield players who can’t run”.
Ruben Amorim clearly felt the same way and resorted to making a huge decision just 33 minutes into the game.
Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright spark
KOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.
Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…
Andre Onana – 5
Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.
Noussair Mazraouri – 4
The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.
But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.
Harry Maguire – 4
Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.
Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.
Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.
Casemiro – 3
Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.
Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.
He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.
Amad Diallo – 4
A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.
Joshua Zirkzee – 2
Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6
Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.
Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6
Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4
Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5
Not enough time to influence the match.
The new boss hooked striker Joshua Zirkzee and replaced him with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the hopes of offering more support for Casemiro and Eriksen in the centre of the pitch.
But even that decision didn’t stop Neville’s criticism, with the former defender saying: “You are watching the worst pound for pound football team in the country, bar none.”
Alexander Isak and Joelinton netted for the Toon, who saw the game out comfortably to go fifth in the Premier League.
It was United’s third consecutive loss and left them 14th, just seven points above the relegation zone.