Sports
“I’m not confident but I don’t see Man United losing” — Neville
!["I don't see Manchester United losing" — Neville](https://topnaija.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/960x0.webp)
Manchester United prepares for a high-stakes Premier League showdown against arch-rivals Liverpool, and former club captain Gary Neville has publicly expressed his concerns about Erik ten Hag’s precarious position as manager despite not seeing a defeat for Man United.
The Dutchman, who has faced growing pressure following United’s inconsistent start to the season, now finds himself in the spotlight as the Red Devils host Liverpool at Old Trafford.
In his punditry analysis with fellow Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, Neville revealed his unease about what could happen if Manchester United suffers a heavy defeat.
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“I worry about him a little bit on Sunday if [Man United] were to lose badly,” Neville admitted, underscoring the mounting pressure on Ten Hag after the recent 3-1 loss to Brighton. Despite his concerns, Neville remains hopeful, highlighting Ten Hag’s history of delivering results when it counts. “I think Erik ten Hag has a knack for just sort of finding the right result at the right time.”
Neville’s anxiety is not without reason. United’s season has been marked by inconsistency, with glimpses of brilliance overshadowed by alarming lapses.
The former Manchester United defender believes that Ten Hag needs to make bold decisions ahead of Sunday’s clash, including giving a start to summer signing Joshua Zirkzee. This suggestion comes as Neville and other pundits question whether United’s current lineup has the firepower to challenge Liverpool’s formidable attack.
While Carragher cheekily asked Neville if he would settle for a draw, the ex-United captain was quick to dismiss the idea. “No, I wouldn’t,” Neville responded, confident that Ten Hag’s men can rise to the occasion.
However, he added a note of caution:
“I don’t think it will be a big defeat for United by any stretch of the imagination and actually, I wouldn’t say I’m confident, but they have a habit of turning up in the right moments for Erik ten Hag and getting results when he needs one.”
The match, set to kick off at 4 pm, could prove pivotal not only for United’s season but also for Ten Hag’s tenure. A positive result could silence the growing doubts surrounding his leadership, while a defeat, especially a heavy one, could escalate the pressure to untenable levels.
Neville’s comments reflect the tense atmosphere around Old Trafford, where fans and pundits alike are eager to see if Ten Hag can steer United back on course.