Gary Neville has strongly criticised a Manchester United player after witnessing what he considered a frustrating and unacceptable display during the Premier League clash against Everton.
United hosted Everton at Old Trafford on Monday night, hoping to extend their five-game unbeaten streak. The match initially seemed to tilt in United’s favour when an unexpected incident gave them an early advantage. Just 13 minutes into the game, Everton found themselves down to 10 men.
Midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off with a straight red card after appearing to slap his own teammate, Michael Keane, during a heated disagreement. The moment shocked players and fans alike and appeared to open the door for United to take control.
Instead, the opposite happened. Despite being reduced in numbers, Everton seized the lead in the 29th minute through an outstanding finish from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who capitalised on United’s sluggish defending.
His goal shifted the momentum, leaving Manchester United stunned and trailing at home against a team fighting with one man down.
In the second half, manager Rúben Amorim tried to rescue the match by introducing Mason Mount, Diogo Dalot, and Kobbie Mainoo. The intention was clear—inject pace, creativity, and urgency.
But Everton, under David Moyes’ disciplined leadership, refused to crumble. They absorbed pressure, stayed organised, and held firm defensively.
Eventually, they secured a huge 1–0 victory, climbing above Liverpool into 11th place, while United remained stuck in 10th, unable to take advantage of their golden opportunity.
Throughout the match, Gary Neville, who was part of the commentary team, grew increasingly irritated with one United player in particular Luke Shaw.
Neville did not attempt to hide his frustration. Commenting during the second half, he criticised Shaw for his lack of urgency.
Neville said, “I know it’s not always simple playing against ten men, but you must show energy, intent, and push players high up the pitch.
Instead, Yoro, Shaw, and De Ligt are still sitting deep, staying behind the ball.” He went further, adding, “Shaw has only just started pushing forward, and even then, he’s strolling, not sprinting. He’s been annoying me for the past twenty minutes. Just look at him.”
Neville continued his critique by insisting that a player of Shaw’s experience should be far more proactive. “You can’t behave like that,” he said firmly. “He should be running forward relentlessly.
Yoro I can excuse a little—he’s less comfortable in possession. But Shaw shouldn’t be positioned like that. It’s pointless. He’s not fooling anyone.”
Neville also highlighted the impressive effort of Everton’s attacking players, praising their hold-up play, their ability to relieve pressure, and their defensive work rate.
With this disappointing loss behind them, Manchester United must quickly prepare for their next challenge. They will travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon to face Crystal Palace, hoping to avoid another setback and rediscover their momentum.
