Neville reveals Man United's 'biggest problem' as he tears into former side

Gary Neville insisted Manchester United's biggest issue is a lack of quality in a scathing assessment of his former side after their 4-1 defeat by Newcastle.

The Red Devils' 14th league defeat of the season left them just three points ahead of 17th place West Ham United and staring down the barrel of a worst-ever Premier League campaign.

In a dismal year, which began under the management of Erik ten Hag, United have shown promising signs in recent weeks, progressing into the Europa League last-eight and earning creditable draws against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, Sunday's loss at St James' Park revealed the brutal reality of United's current plight and left Neville with little choice but to admit the squad's failings.

'They're not a very good team, simple as that,' he said on NBC Sports. 'There have Manchester United teams over the years when the biggest problem has been that they've not given it their all. The problem with this group of players is that they're giving it their all.

'I don't think there's a lack of effort. They're so below the standard and quality you need at that football club.

'Other than Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo maybe, I can't think of any of them that I would hang my hat on. It's a really desperate situation because the squad is so poor in quality.

'They've got old and young players that are nowhere near it and then there's a group of players in the middle. It's a worrying situation.'

While there has been plenty of criticism for their woeful league campaign, United's progress in Europe has given fans hope their season can still be salvaged. Victory in the Europa League will earn the Red Devils a place in the Champions League next season regardless of how far down the standings the finish.

After securing a 2-2 draw on the continent last week, United welcome Lyon to Old Trafford on Thursday in a match that will define their season and perhaps their immediate future.

Failure to clinch the trophy would condemn the Red Devils to a season without European competition and likely a bottom half finish. Again, this prospect was impossible for Neville to ignore as he turned his attention to the suitability of the squad to Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system.

The former right back shared his opinion that the approach 'is a problem', adding: 'There are massive issues but honestly you don't know where to start, where to build the first step from. There's a serious amount of time required and good recruitment for that club to get right.