Gary Neville recently voiced sharp concerns about the core of Manchester United, arguing that experienced players aren't delivering the consistent strength expected of them. He believes a team’s foundation – its spine – is absolutely critical for success, recalling the unwavering reliability of his own United days.
Neville vividly remembers the bedrock upon which Sir Alex Ferguson built his dynasty: Schmeichel, Bruce, Pallister, Keane, and Cantona. This formidable group provided a protective shield, allowing other players to flourish knowing they had an unshakeable core behind them.
He specifically questioned the performances of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, both seasoned professionals with extensive experience at the highest levels. Despite their impressive resumes, Neville feels they are underperforming and failing to provide the necessary stability.
While acknowledging the experience of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, and recognizing a relative lack of experience further forward, Neville pinpointed the central defensive pairing and midfield duo as the key area of concern. He believes this spine – Fernandes, Casemiro, Maguire, and De Ligt – is aging and not adequately holding the team together.
Neville contrasted United’s situation with Liverpool, highlighting their own robust spine. He pointed to Alisson, Van Dijk, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch as examples of players consistently delivering a strong, dependable foundation for the team’s overall performance.
The core issue, according to Neville, isn’t necessarily a lack of talent, but a failure to consistently translate experience into the unwavering reliability that defines a truly dominant spine. This deficiency, he argues, is hindering Manchester United’s progress.
