Gary Neville criticises Luke Shaw’s performance after Manchester United defeat
Gary Neville, the former Manchester United captain, delivered a pointed critique of Luke Shaw following the team’s unexpected 1-0 loss to Everton at Old Trafford on Monday night, branding the defender “a waste of time”, reports BritPanorama.
Neville’s frustrations escalated as he observed Shaw’s lackadaisical performance within a struggling United setup, particularly glaring against a depleted Everton side reduced to ten men early in the match. Idrissa Gueye received a straight red card in the 13th minute, putting the visitors at a disadvantage, which only served to heighten the urgency for United to capitalise on the numerical advantage.
Despite commanding possession for much of the game, United could not convert this into tangible opportunities. Shaw’s slow progression upfield drew particular ire from Neville, who noted, “Shaw is starting to move forward a little bit, but he’s ambling forward, let’s be clear.” His critique underlined a broader concern about United’s lack of pace and thrust when it mattered most.
Everton shocked the home crowd by taking the lead in the 29th minute, courtesy of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s striking effort into the top corner. Manger Ruben Amorim’s strategy of a back-three formation saw Shaw and his fellow defenders struggle to make significant impacts as United failed to level the score.
The defeat marked the end of a four-match winning streak for United at home, leaving them in 10th place in the Premier League table and unable to break into the top four. Neville expressed his disappointment with the team’s tactical approach and questioned their ability to win key duels, while Amorim echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration with the players’ lack of intensity throughout the match.
As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen how United will respond to such setbacks, with the pressure mounting amid a backdrop of inconsistent performances. The clash served as yet another reminder of football’s harsh realities, where even the most heralded clubs can falter spectacularly.
