Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday reopened some painful memories for fans and pundits alike. Among them was Gary Neville, who warned that familiar weaknesses were creeping back into the team.
Speaking on his podcast, Neville said: “My optimism has been checked slightly because it felt like there were a couple of the old scars reappearing and opening up.”
The game at Craven Cottage began with promise for United. Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal had given them the lead, only for Emile Smith Rowe to level late on. It left Ruben Amorim’s side still chasing a first Premier League win of the season, following last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal.
For Neville, the midfield remains United’s biggest problem. Amorim once again trusted Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in central areas, leaving teenager Kobbie Mainoo on the bench. Bruno missed a penalty in the first half, and Neville noted how the miss appeared to weigh on him throughout the match.
“I think he let it impact him,” Neville said. “You could see in his face he was still thinking about it. That can’t happen when you’re the captain.”
Beyond Fernandes, Neville was more concerned about United’s overall balance. “In central midfield I think United have to do a piece of business now,” he argued. “Mainoo could have been that player, but Amorim clearly doesn’t see him as ready.”
United’s defensive frailties also drew criticism. “The goalkeeper looks shaky on crosses, the midfield gets exposed, and then suddenly there are big gaps,” Neville explained. “That’s when teams cut through them.”
Questions were also raised about Benjamin Sesko. The £73 million signing from RB Leipzig was brought on in the second half but struggled to make an impact. Neville was blunt: “Sesko is nowhere near in terms of fitness or getting up to speed.”
The former England defender urged Amorim to start Sesko in upcoming cup and league matches to build his sharpness. “You can’t spend that money on a striker with his potential and leave him on the bench. He needs football.”
United’s next test comes midweek in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town, followed by a Premier League trip to Burnley. For Neville, these games must provide answers, not more questions.
“The old problems are still there,” he warned. “If they don’t fix midfield, the season could slip away quickly.”
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