Manchester United are outside the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference and Gary Neville has issued his verdict
Gary Neville
Gary Neville has given his verdict on Manchester United(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Gary Neville has explained why he does not expect Manchester United to be in a relegation battle despite the tough run of results in recent weeks. United were on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat away at Chelsea in the Premier League over the weekend
The defeat in London leaves United in 17th place in the Premier League table and only outside the bottom three on goal difference, with Michael Carrick and Co. level on points with 18th-placed Crystal Palace and just two ahead of Sunderland, who are bottom of the current standings.
As a result, there has been increased speculation around Carrick’s future as United manager and rumours that another change could be made in the days or weeks ahead.
Neville reflected on United’s latest defeat - with the Reds now without a win in the Premier League since August - and explained why the club are unable to end their winless run.
The United legend also gave his verdict on the club’s chances of being in a relegation battle this season amid their ongoing run of disappointing results.
"It's very difficult. It feels like the club is stuck in a rut," Neville told Sky Sports. "It's stuck in a rut in terms of results, it's now nine without a win, which is obviously a really horrible run to be in at any point.
"People will talk about the first half (against Chelsea) and say that there were some good things, and there were. But when things aren't going your way, you've got to be able to dig in.
"You've got to keep your discipline and you've got be able to get through points in a game when your opponents are doing quite well - and Manchester United can't do that right now. As soon as they go a goal down they fall to pieces.
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"I don't think it's at that stage (where Manchester United are in a relegation battle). I don't think they will end up there, but it's a worry. It's a real depression of results, a depression of performances.
"And they've got difficult games coming up. Any team that is organised, that's got a combination or two about them, will cause Manchester United problems.
"Roma could do that on Tuesday, Aston Villa next weekend are very organised, [they] know how to play. After that, they come to Anfield.
"There are a lot of big games in front for Manchester United in these next few weeks, but it's really worrying."