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Despite a promising end to the 2025/26 season under Michael Carrick, Manchester United have stumbled early in their current campaign, casting doubt on their ability to challenge at the top of the Premier League. The team’s recent results have done little to inspire confidence among supporters and pundits alike.
The Red Devils endured a difficult start including a shock defeat to newly promoted Hull City, a last-gasp equalizer conceded at Everton, a derby loss to a depleted Manchester City squad, and an embarrassing exit from the League Cup after surrendering a two-goal advantage to Brighton at Old Trafford.
Neville’s Stark Critique of United’s Performance
Among the harshest critics is Gary Neville, the former United stalwart turned Sky Sports pundit, who described his former side’s display in their recent 1-1 draw with Fulham as hitting a new low. The match saw United concede an early own goal from Lisandro Martínez, putting them behind to a Fulham side struggling in the league with only one point from four games.
Trailing 1-0 deep into the second half, United managed to salvage a draw thanks to an 88th-minute strike from Matheus Cunha. Yet it was the manner of their play, especially during a disastrous 15-minute spell after the interval, that drew Neville’s ire.
The former defender labeled that period as “an absolute disgrace,” highlighting it as the worst he has ever witnessed from a Manchester United team. According to Neville, the Red Devils’ lack of intensity and cohesion during those minutes was glaring, ultimately allowing Fulham to take the lead and putting United on the back foot.
Such criticism from a club legend underscores the mounting pressure on Carrick and his squad to arrest their poor form and restore the standards expected at Old Trafford as the season progresses.
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