Manchester United legend Gary Neville has criticized the club’s players for conducting a lap of appreciation at Old Trafford following their disappointing 4-4 draw against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
Neville described the gesture as painful to watch, insisting the team should be more concerned about their poor run of results.
United produced a spirited fightback to secure a point in an entertaining eight-goal encounter.
The hosts initially fell two goals behind within four minutes after goalkeeper Senne Lammens made costly errors that allowed Alysson and Nicolas Jackson to score.
Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty before Youri Tielemans equalized for the Red Devils.
However, United’s defensive problems resurfaced as John McGinn scored from the penalty spot following a foul by Diogo Dalot, while Leon Goretzka capitalized on an error by Leny Yoro to give Aston Villa a two-goal advantage.
Substitute Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu then struck in stoppage time to rescue a dramatic draw for Michael Carrick’s side.
Neville questioned United’s decision to applaud supporters after another disappointing result.
The former captain said he appreciated the importance of acknowledging fans during his playing career but described the repeated post-match celebrations following defeats and disappointing draws as desperate and emotionally damaging for the players.
Neville added that the situation at Old Trafford was becoming increasingly worrying, even as supporters continued to sing Carrick’s name and encourage the team.
However, Carrick defended the players’ actions, praising the fans for their unwavering support and insisting that their backing remained evident despite the frustration and disappointment surrounding the club.
The draw leaves Manchester United in 18th on the Premier League table, with the club now going eight consecutive matches without a victory.
Carrick faces mounting pressure to address the team’s defensive weaknesses, as United desperately seek victories in their upcoming fixtures to escape the relegation zone.
