Manchester United's recent defeat to Everton at Old Trafford has sparked criticism from former player Gary Neville. Despite Everton's Idrissa Gueye receiving an early red card, United failed to capitalise
and lost 1-0. This result marked the first time United lost a home Premier League match after their opponents received a red card, breaking a streak of 36 wins and 10 draws.
United had the chance to climb to fifth in the league standings with a win but now find themselves in 10th place, sharing the same record as Everton. The loss was particularly disappointing as it came against former manager David Moyes, who secured his first victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager after 18 attempts.
Neville accused Ruben Amorim's team of complacency, suggesting that they underestimated their opponents. "It's complacency, and complacency will kill you," Neville stated. He emphasised that players cannot assume victory just by showing up on the pitch as Manchester United.
On his podcast, Neville criticised the team's performance, saying it erased recent progress. "We're trying to build trust in a manager and team," he said. The fans' boos at the end reflected their dissatisfaction with what Neville described as a poor performance.
Jamie Carragher also weighed in on Amorim's tactics during the match. He questioned why Amorim maintained three centre-backs against a team reduced to 10 men for most of the game. Carragher found it puzzling that Amorim stuck with this formation despite having ample time to adjust after Gueye's dismissal.
1 - Manchester United have lost a Premier League game at Old Trafford after seeing the opposition pick up a red card for the first time ever, winning 36 and drawing 10 of the previous 46. Upset. pic.twitter.com/wGs8jqiUMK
- OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 24, 2025
The defeat has raised questions about Amorim's leadership and decision-making abilities. Many believe he will face significant scrutiny following this setback. The team's inability to adapt tactically during crucial moments was highlighted as a major concern.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead, Manchester United will play against Crystal Palace away on Sunday before hosting West Ham at Old Trafford on December 4. These matches present opportunities for redemption and regaining momentum in their campaign.
The loss to Everton serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Manchester United this season. Both players and management must address these issues promptly to avoid further setbacks in their pursuit of success.
