“They were a disgrace in the last 25 minutes.”
Gary Neville was heavily critical of Manchester United for their second half performance against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Man City beat the Red Devils 4-1, with Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez both scoring twice. But the scoreline did not reflect the gulf in class between the two teams.
The home side had 24 shots, 10 of them on target and dominated possession. Man United, meanwhile, managed just five efforts on goal, and just two on target. After a decent showing in the first half, they collapsed in the second half.
Neville was on co-commentary duty for the match and said Ralf Rangnick’s side were a ‘disgrace.’
“The first thing to say is that Manchester City were outstanding, particularly in the second half,” Neville said on Sky Sports at full time.
“But at the end of the game, Manchester United finished like an absolute shower. They were a disgrace in the last 25 minutes.
“It’s the first time Ralf Rangnick has taken them against a proper team and they have been given a proper doing.”
Neville spent the last half an hour of the game marvelling at Man City’s brilliance, while also castigating United for their limp display.
“There can be no complaints. City have been absolutely outstanding. But as a Manchester United fan, it’s embarrassing,” the former England defender said.
“City have played brilliantly in this second half. But the effort and intensity from United in the last 20 minutes has been non-existent.”
From the moment Man City went 3-1 up through Mahrez, Neville tore into the Red Devils.
The former Man United defender appeared to be shocked at what he was witnessing and accused the team of giving up.
“The scoreline isn’t the problem,” he said.
Gary Neville: “They [#mufc players] were an absolute disgrace in those last 25 minutes.” #mulive
— utdreport (@utdreport) March 6, 2022
“It’s the response to going 3-1 down that’s the problem. They have thrown the towel in. It’s like they have nine men.”
“Manchester United’s response to going 3-1 down has been embarrassing. 92 per cent possession for City? They have given up.
“They are walking around the pitch. It’s nowhere near good enough. The second half has been a mauling.”
Related links:
- Roy Keane slams ‘shameful’ Man Utd for ‘giving up’ against Man City
- Rangnick confirms Cavani ruled himself out of selection for Manchester derby
- Ronaldo’s sister likes Instagram post claiming he isn’t injured, but has been dropped
