Gary Neville Explains Why He Got ‘Emotional’ After Mbeumo Goal vs Man City

Gary Neville explained why he got "emotional" for Bryan Mbuemo's opening goal against Manchester City after his reaction caused an almighty stir online.

The Manchester United legend was in the Old Trafford gantry for a historic first win for his former teammate Michael Carrick in his first game as caretaker basis.

Goals from Bryan Mbuemo and Patrick Dorgu in a thrilling second half display moved United up to fifth, just one point off fourth-placed Liverpool after 22 games.

The Red Devils caused huge problems for City in transitions and counter attacks, with three goals disallowed and Gianluigi Donnarumma pulling of a number of fine saves.

Mbeumo finally put United ahead after a fine break from a City set-piece, slotting home after linking up with Bruno Fernandes - who supplied the perfectly-weighted pass.

Peter Drury provided the description for the goal on Sky Sports after the eruption in front of the Stretford End.

Mbeumo and Dorgu were on target in the impressive win for United. Image: Getty

But Neville appeared to celebrate Mbeumo breaking the deadlock, leading to some fans calling for him to be banned from commentating on his beloved club.

Neville hasn't had too much to celebrate of late United after a dire run under Ruben Amorim and after the game, on his podcast, the 50-year-old explained just why the goal meant so much to him.

On the Gary Neville Podcast, he said: "I got quite emotional when that goal went in off Mbeumo's because to be honest with you I thought, 'Oh my God, that's what I have been asking for!".

"It's what everyone in this ground's been asking for. We know what it looks like. We don't have to win. I keep saying that. There's no right to win at this club.

"We might lose the next 10 matches. I don't care. But the intent to do the right thing is there.

"Those players have set themselves a standard. A standard in attitude, in aggression, in positivity when they're playing with intent and playing through the lines. You cannot drop below that."

Neville added: "I'm just happy because I don't have to come on to a podcast at the end of a game and talk about c**p that I've watched and Manchester United fans booing.

"I'm so happy to see something which resembles what this is. It is not a time to get giddy even though Manchester United fans should celebrate until their hearts are content tonight and have the night of their lives because these moments are rare."

Neville liked what he saw from Michael Carrick's first game at the helm. Image: Getty

Carrick had just three days of working with the United players but they fed off the energy of the fans and produced a fine performance which resulted in them coming out as worthy winners.

Next up for the United is trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal, who were held to a second Premier League stalemate in a row by Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.

Seven points clear at the top of the table, Arsenal host United at the Emirates on Sunday 25 January.