Gary Neville says Man United ‘bottled’ derby as fans leave before half time
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Gary Neville accused Manchester United’s players of “bottling” their derby at Manchester City after a calamitous performance in which they conceded four first-half goals.
City romped to a remarkable lead thanks to braces from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, with United so abject that footage emerged of some of their supporters streaming out of the exits at the Etihad Stadium before half-time.
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Former United defender Neville, speaking as a co-commentator for the game on Sky Sports, was horrified by his old team’s performance.
“The Manchester United players have bottled it, there’s no doubt,” he said. “On the ball, they have given it away all the time. They have been really nervous. They have just not handled this derby at all. United have been so poor on the ball.
“And it’s not the defenders who have been poor, it’s the midfielders. There has been a real lack of composure.
“I expected so much more from United. There has been no composure. They have never settled. They have been anxious and nervous on the ball. They have been pulled apart by an outstanding football team.”
United – no strangers to heavy defeats against their old rivals in recent derby meetings – had entered this game in fine but their optimism was blown away after just eight minutes when Foden scored his first goal as City sliced through the visitors.
Former United captain Roy Keane was equally appalled at United’s performance. “I’m shocked by how poor United have been,” he said. “No aggression, you have to close people down. It’s far, far too easy.
“It’s brilliant from Man City but it’s like the game is too big for them. I almost can’t believe what I’m watching. It’s been easy for [City]. The passing has been sloppy, there’s gaps everywhere, [Scott] McTominay and [Christian] Eriksen are getting pulled everywhere. Decision-making. And it could get a lot worse. I can’t believe how bad Man United have been.”
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