Gary Neville slams Man United as ‘embarrassing' after what he spotted during first half against Spurs

Gary Neville was left furious with Manchester United during the first half of their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Ruben Amorim's side went into the half-time interval 1-0 down after Andre Onana could only parry Lucas Bergvall's shot to the feet of James Maddison, who slotted home from close range.

It was a poor first half from United, who spurned various opportunities - including a clear-cut chance that fell to Alejandro Garnacho inside the Spurs area.

But Neville again called out United's shape, which at times saw captain Bruno Fernandes out of position despite lining up in central midfield.

James Maddison nets on his return from injury! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/59Q1DG5moD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 16, 2025

Amorim has had to make several changes owing to injury issues and illness, with United's bench entirely made up of academy players except for defender Victor Lindelof.

Speaking on Sky Sports during the first half, Neville fumed: "We just said about the distance between the two central midfield players. Look at where Casemiro is and where Bruno Fernandes is. That cannot be right.

"It breaks all rules in football. Look at them - absolute madness, that.

"They may score goals but the structure of the team is awful. The gaps in that midfield, that's a tactical thing - they've been told to do that.

"Bruno Fernandes is playing right wing. It's embarrassing.

"You wouldn't see this in under-9s or under-10s football.

"There's a reason for it. It's because of what Zirkzee did against Newcastle, when he kept having to come out to one side.

"What Amorim's said is, 'You stay in there'. But that means then it's impossible for them two behind... that space in midfield there. It's shocking."

Casemiro is starting his first game under Amorim in any competition since the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on December 28, having been an unused substitute in seven of United's last nine fixtures.