Gary Neville gave an impassioned analysis of the Manchester derby and the state of football in general after Manchester United drew 0-0 with Manchester City at Old Trafford.
United had the stronger first half of the two sides, with an unsighted Alejandro Garnacho coming closest to putting Ruben Amorim’s side ahead with a mistimed header.
The hosts looked far more likely to win the game in the second half and created opportunities in the final minutes, but the match as a whole was not one that many fans will be rushing to replay.
City, meanwhile, could have few complaints about the result despite having four shots on target in the second half.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, Neville was asked for his thoughts on the match – and he didn’t hold back on either the match itself or how it has compared to a number of other Premier League fixtures this season.
He said: “I think the congratulations and love in that I’m watching tells you that both teams feel happy with the 0-0.
“I think the best Manchester City teams, and the best Manchester United teams, would be very disappointed at the end of that game with the way in which they’ve approached it.
“It looks like a Sunday afternoon and they’re going to go for a roast dinner together now. They’re micro managed to within an inch of their lives.
“It was so robotic that game, and quite symptomatic actually of a lot of games that we’re watching nowadays. And it’s not good enough, I feel disappointed.
“It’s a Manchester derby and it should have more blood, thunder, risk and courage involved in playing the game and trying to win the game than that.”
While not all fans agreed with Neville’s comments, there appeared to be a general consensus among Twitter users.
One wrote: “Gary Neville spot on with his assessment of football not just this game. Too systematic and robotic.”
Another said: “Gary Neville just summed up that Manchester derby perfectly … everything that is wrong with the way the game is being coached at the moment.”
A third added: “Gary Neville’s right.”
Others, though, thought Neville’s comments were harsh on United’s performance –
More to follow…
