Gary Neville took aim at Ruben Amorim following Manchester United’s defeat to Everton at Old Trafford.
There is no hiding from the disappointment and embarrassment of Everton’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim accepted blame for the performance, with the Red Devils failing to break down David Moyes’s side despite them being reduced to 10 men early on.
Gary Neville ripped into Luke Shaw for his performance at left centre-back. The United legend spent most of his time on commentary urging the 30-year-old to push forward.
What did you think of Ruben Amorim’s post-game comments after the loss to Everton?
“I feel afraid of returning of this feeling of last season, that is my biggest concern. So we need to work together, we are going to work together.”
After the full-time whistle, Gary Neville understandably raised questions about Amorim’s tactics, but it doesn’t help that his point is contradictory to what he told Erik ten Hag.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville presents to the camera ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Gary Neville questions Ruben Amorim’s system
The Everton clash marked one full year since Amorim’s first match as United head coach, and in that time, he has made it blindingly clear that he is wedded to his 3-4-2-1 system.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Neville said: “The three at the back had to change. Ruben Amorim has said he will never change his three-at-the-back system, I get it.
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“But I’m sorry, Luke Shaw has to go forward and play like a left winger, he has to. Bring Yoro round with De Ligt and make sure they mark Barry. Make sure he doesn’t get the ball.
Gary Neville’s instant reaction to Man Utd defeat vs Everton
“For Manchester United, it’s an understatement to say that was a bad one.”
Gary Neville
“Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro move forward, make sure you don’t play too deep. The rest of the players to be fair, make some kind of overload. I played here against 10 men here a lot of times, and you’d never see me back, I’d be as wide as possible.
“Manchester United left one man up front all night in Zirkzee, they had to have two up. Forget the point of changing your system Ruben, two up gives you presence in the box.
“United were so pedestrian and so negative.”
Gary Neville wanted Erik ten Hag to play a back three
One of the biggest criticisms of Erik ten Hag’s tenure at United was that he lacked a clear identity and style of play.
Neville was vocal about the issue, saying: “I think the lack of identity or style has been a real mystery for the last two and a half seasons.”
“I do believe there’s a group of players there that can play a lot better than they are, if you put an identity into them.”
Since his arrival, Amorim has stuck to his identity in the face of adversity. Despite criticism from all angles, he has stayed true to his beliefs and his style of play.
READ MORE: Gary Neville questions Ruben Amorim in-game decision which David Moyes got spot on
After every defeat, the first talking point is Amorim’s formation. It is ironic for Neville to be involved in the discourse considering he was a huge advocate of United playing a three-at-the-back.
On The Overlap, Neville urged Ten Hag to play a three-at-the-back formation: “I can’t understand why he has not gone to three at the back. If ever there was a team that looked like [would suit a back three], it’s United.”
The context of facing 10 men is important in the Everton match, and there is a fair argument that Amorim should have been more adventurous with his approach. But any tactical issues against Everton were overshadowed by a lack of fight and spirit, and that lies with the players, not Amorim.