United’s Champions League hopes are now mathematically over
Gary Neville has once again criticised Manchester United following another lacklustre performance from his former club in their 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town.
United, who needed to win the game to keep alive their slim hopes of clinching a top four place, took an early lead at the John Smith’s Stadium through Scott McTominay.
Though they dominated the opening half an hour, they failed to build on their lead, their already-relegated opponents gradually coming back into the contest as half-time approached.
15 minutes in the second half, Huddersfield broke quickly after a United corner. With Luke Shaw misjudging a through ball, Isaac Mbenza was able to slot an equaliser through the legs of David De Gea’s legs.
It was, in truth, a goal that had been coming given the sloppy nature of United’s performance – a point highlighted by Neville while on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports.
“This is Huddersfield Town who’ve struggled all season,” he began, seconds after the equaliser. “They haven’t got the quality but I actually like watching them a lot more than the ones in the red shirts to be honest with you.
“At least you can identify with them. There’s nothing about this Manchester United side I like at all. They’re just awful.”
He carried on: “Manchester United’s away support will never stop singing, but this group of players have drained the energy out of them.”
With pictures of Ed Woodward flashing up on the screen later, the commentator remarked how United faced a “big summer”.
“He’s had seven of them already so maybe it will be better this time,” Neville added.
Neville had blasted his former club during their 4-0 hammering at the hands of Everton last month, where he likened some of the players to Japanese Knotweed, damaging the foundations of a house.
United are expected to embark on a major squad overhaul in the summer, with several senior players expected to be moved on.