Report: Neville brands Man Utd’s midfield setup an embarrassment | OneFootball

Neville Slams ‘Embarrassing’ Man Utd Tactics in Spurs Defeat

Gary Neville did not hold back in his assessment of Manchester United’s performance against Tottenham, branding their tactical approach as “awful,” “absolute madness,” and “embarrassing.” The former United captain was left bewildered by the lack of structure in Ruben Amorim’s side as they fell to yet another Premier League defeat.

Tactical Chaos Exposes United in North London

United’s trip to Tottenham was already overshadowed by an injury crisis that ruled out 12 first-team players. With resources stretched, Amorim was forced to name a bench comprising eight teenagers, none of whom had previously played a senior game for the club.

On the pitch, the problems were even more alarming. Amorim opted to deploy Bruno Fernandes in a deep midfield role alongside Casemiro, a player making his first start since December. With Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Toby Collyer, and Christian Eriksen all unavailable, the balance in midfield was all but non-existent.

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Neville’s Brutal Assessment of United’s Setup

Speaking during Sky Sports’ coverage, Neville was incredulous as he watched United’s midfield become disjointed and exposed. He tore into their approach, questioning the logic behind Fernandes and Casemiro’s positioning.

“The distance between the two central midfield players, see where Casemiro is and where Bruno Fernandes is, that cannot be right,” Neville said. “It breaks all rules in football. Absolute madness.”

The lack of compactness and positional discipline left United vulnerable throughout, with James Maddison’s early goal proving enough to hand Tottenham victory.

Fundamental Issues in United’s Structure

Neville did not stop at midfield, further criticising United’s overall shape and decision-making.

“United may win today and may score goals but I have to say that the structure of the team is awful,” he added. “The gaps in that midfield between Fernandes and Casemiro. That’s a tactic, they’ve been asked to do that. Bruno’s been asked to come out to this side and it isn’t right.

“Bruno Fernandes is playing right wing, the two of them in midfield are split, it’s embarrassing. You wouldn’t see this in Under-9s or Under-10s football.”

With United now suffering their eighth defeat in 12 league matches, questions over Amorim’s tactical decisions continue to mount. Injuries may have left him short on options, but the lack of structure and cohesion remains deeply concerning.