Football
‘The squad is so poor’ – Gary Neville says he only trusts two Man Utd players
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has raised serious concerns about the current state of the squad under Ruben Amorim, questioning the overall quality and singling out only two players he believes are truly dependable.
United’s struggles hit a new low over the weekend with a crushing 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, where a dismal second-half showing left fans stunned and the team stuck in 14th place.
Even with a perfect run in their remaining six Premier League fixtures, United are now guaranteed to record their worst-ever points total in the competition.
With domestic hopes in tatters, the Europa League remains the only realistic chance of salvaging the season. Pressure is mounting on Amorim ahead of Thursday’s decisive quarter-final second leg against Lyon following a disappointing 2-2 draw in the first encounter.
The club’s hierarchy is reportedly prepared to invest heavily this summer to completely reshape the squad and attempt to restore Manchester United’s former dominance. However, Neville doesn’t believe that will be easy, admitting he’s unsure where to even begin with recruitment.
Speaking on NBC Sports, the former right-back was brutally honest about the state of the team, saying the problems stretch from the goalkeeper all the way through to the front line. He expressed frustration at the scale of the rebuild needed and emphasized that time and smart recruitment are crucial if United are to climb back to the top.
Neville highlighted captain Bruno Fernandes and young winger Amad Diallo as the only two players he truly trusts in Amorim’s current squad.
While he acknowledged the players are working hard and not lacking in effort, he was clear in his view that most of them are falling well short of the quality expected at a club of Manchester United’s stature.
He described the situation as desperate, pointing to a squad made up of aging veterans, inexperienced youngsters who aren’t ready for top-level competition, and a middle group that simply isn’t delivering.
Neville’s comments paint a bleak picture and suggest that United’s problems won’t be fixed with a quick transfer spree alone. He stressed that the solution lies in strategic, long-term planning rather than short-term fixes.
Following the defeat at St James’ Park, Amorim remained defiant when speaking to reporters. The head coach stated that while he understands the criticism, he’s not concerned by it.
In his words, nothing feels worse than losing games, and he made it clear that outside opinions won’t shake his confidence or focus. He also declined to defend himself against the growing scrutiny, signaling a determination to press forward despite the noise surrounding the club.
With fans growing increasingly impatient and confidence low, the upcoming clash against Lyon could define how this season is remembered at Old Trafford.
All eyes will be on how Amorim’s side responds on the European stage—and whether the two players Neville still trusts can lead the way in what has become a truly turbulent campaign for Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic forward known for his illustrious spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid, has reportedly received a significant transfer offer that could mark the end of his time in Saudi Arabia.
The Portuguese star joined Al-Nassr in 2023 following his second departure from Old Trafford and has since maintained an impressive goal-scoring record, finding the net 97 times in 109 appearances.
Despite his individual brilliance, Al-Nassr endured a trophyless campaign and failed to secure qualification for the Asian Champions League, leaving the 40-year-old increasingly frustrated.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo has been presented with a major proposal from a Brazilian club.
While the specific team has not been disclosed, the move would potentially allow him to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13.
Among the Brazilian teams qualified for the tournament are Palmeiras, Fluminense, Flamengo, and Botafogo. The allure of participating in another global tournament is believed to be a tempting factor in Ronaldo’s decision-making process.
Earlier this year, Ronaldo was close to renewing his deal with Al-Nassr, but the disappointing season combined with this new opportunity may alter his trajectory.
His reaction following a recent loss to Al-Ittihad, where he reportedly exited the stadium in anger, has only fueled speculation about his future in the Saudi Pro League.
Throughout his two-decade-long career, Ronaldo has amassed a remarkable legacy. He lifted three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his first stint with Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid, where he scored an astonishing 450 goals in 438 appearances.
During his time in Spain, he also added four more Champions League titles to his name. His subsequent move to Juventus saw him continue his scoring form with over 100 goals and three Serie A titles.
Ronaldo was recently named the highest-paid athlete in the world for the third consecutive year. Forbes estimates his total earnings at $275 million (£206 million), placing him ahead of athletes like Stephen Curry, Tyson Fury, Dak Prescott, and longtime rival Lionel Messi.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to dominate both on the pitch and in terms of global marketability.
As speculation grows about a possible move to Brazil, fans and analysts alike are closely watching to see whether Ronaldo will extend his legendary career by adding another chapter in South America or remain in the Middle East for one final stint.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
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