Gary Neville says Manchester United’s players ‘really let Erik ten Hag down’ in defeat at Newcastle

Gary Neville has slammed Manchester United’s players after their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, saying they really let Erik ten Hag down with their performance.

Joe Willock and Callum Wilson combined to head Newcastle firmly into the race for Champions League qualification as they leapfrogged Manchester United into third place. 

Speaking after the game, Neville said: ‘sometimes flip flop from one performance to another, but Erik ten Hag’s really let him down today and Newcastle have been fantastic. 

Look they’ve been beaten all ends up. 21 shots Manchester united only had one on target out of their six. 41 touches in the opposition box [for Newcastle] you have no complaints if you’re a man united fan today you’re well beaten today.

‘Since the two centre-backs went off its been a mess I have to say I didn’t like it to be honest with you. 

‘I thought it was going to bring this to 1-1 or 2-0 but I never see one centre-back working it very rarely does. See where Shaw is now he has to go play in centre-back now you might as well have a proper one off there.

‘Newcastle’s back four have been better. Their front three have been better and their midfield have been better. Well done to Eddie Howe for making those positive substitutions. 

‘He was going to make the three, knew he had to go and win the game and had Manchester United where he wanted them. It would have been false of him to think we’d get a point here against Manchester united and move onto the next game. He had to be brave and he really was.

‘I also think Eddie Howe will have looked at Man united’s away record against the big teams, which has been a real problem. It’s been a real weakness today and there are some battering’s in that as well.