Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville has suggested that the Red Devils’ loss to Bournemouth on Sunday could be viewed as a “massive positive” for new head coach Ruben Amorim, Soccernet.football reports.
Despite dominating key statistics, United failed to score and shipped in three goals in a disappointing defeat to Bournemouth. This continues a tough start for Amorim, who has managed just 4 wins in his first 9 games, with 4 defeats in the last 6 matches.
Speaking on his podcast titled The Gary Neville Podcast, the former United captain stated that his former club’s recent run of results is shedding light on the team’s shortcomings and helping the new manager identify the necessary changes.
“I think it’s a massive positive that Ruben Amorim is seeing what he’s got,” Neville said. “In the past, there have been times where you can be kidded into thinking you have got a better group of players, because of decent results and moving up the league. But they are a mile away in every single way.
“Playing the way Amorim wants to play, with the 3-4-3, he’s going to have to change it. He’s given everyone a try by rotating the team and I do not think there will be many he’s watched and thought, ‘yes, I want you on the bus’. They are all very mediocre, and I don’t know how it’s happened – they are better than what they are showing, let’s be clear. But it’s a sustained pattern.
“It’s a big positive that Ruben Amorim has an opportunity to look at these players in the cold light of day. He’s got six months of a beauty parade if you like – which is more of an ugly parade. He’s seeing what Manchester United fans have watched for ten years, there has got to be a cultural overhaul.
“It is a real torrid time, there is not a lot to like about performance levels or the way they play. They are all lads trying their best, it’s not a personal assault, but they are not good enough to play for Manchester United, because this club aims to be at the top.
“It’s quite clear watching these players, they are not good enough.”