Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes manager Michael Carrick must make a change in one area to improve performances.
The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League yesterday.
Despite Spurs being reduced to 10 men in the closing stages, United still surrendered their lead after another costly error at the back.
Even a victory would not have completely masked United’s alarming first-half display, which left plenty for Carrick to address.
Neville called for a change in midfield after the game.
He said (via Sky Sports): “Tielemans and Mainoo, I think we’ve seen enough of it now. I’m not calling time on it because that’s probably too drastic but I’ve seen enough to think that’s not a midfield that’s dynamic enough to play at this football club in the Premier League.
“I think they are both good players, by the way, individually. But sometimes you just have players that don’t quite knit together or don’t quite suit each other. I think when [Carlos] Baleba came on with Mainoo, it looked like there was a lot more energy.”
Carrick needs to get the midfield balance right
Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign, but even he struggled to reach his usual levels against Spurs.
Tottenham targeted Mainoo and repeatedly sent players towards him to apply intense pressure.
Youri Tielemans could have done more positionally to make himself available as a passing option.
The Belgium captain operated as a more attacking number eight while Spurs dominated possession during the opening 30 minutes.
Mainoo is not renowned for his relentless running, while Tielemans does little to improve United’s ability to cover ground compared with Casemiro.
Carlos Baleba made his United debut against Spurs and could now be handed his full debut when the Red Devils travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in midweek.
A midfield pairing of Baleba and Mainoo certainly appears more balanced on paper and could give United the energy they lacked against Tottenham.
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